NEW YORK CITY—Jerome (Jerry) Martin Cohen—a prominent real estate executive who is said t have played a vital role in reshaping Manhattan's urban landscape—died on November 11th after suffering with Alzheimer's disease. The 87-year-old veteran industry professional had a prolific, six-decade career.
Well regarded by New York's real estate industry for his intellect, integrity and aesthetic sensibilities, Cohen served as president of Williams Real Estate Co., a company he joined in 1950. He was the second-generation leader of the firm, which was founded by his father, Victor Cohen, in 1926.
Working with partners Robert Carmel and Edwin Roos, Cohen assembled a portfolio of more than a dozen commercial properties throughout Manhattan, comprising millions of square feet. He also managed a large contingent of renting agents, asset managers and construction managers. In addition to acting as consultant to major real estate owners, he mentored numerous real estate executives.
One of those likely included his son, Michael Cohen, who currently serves as president of the tri-state region for Colliers International.
Among the senior Cohen's many industry accomplishments, the crowning achievement was the transformational restoration of 28-40 W. 23rd St. The property was built in 1878 as the original home of the Stern Brothers Department Store and is currently occupied by Home Depot, Estee Lauder, and other high-profile tenants.
The makeover of 28-40 W. 23rd St. included a restoration of historic design elements on the building's facade that had been obscured by prior occupants. Further reflecting Cohen's design vision, the property's atrium is directly modeled after a similar atrium in the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris.
Cohen was honored with the 2005 23rd Street Association Distinguished Citizen Award in recognition of his outstanding service and his commitment to the 23rd Street community. The organization also paid tribute to 28-40 W. 23rd St. as Building of the Year.
Cohen drew industry accolades for creating the design concept and marketing strategy behind both the Decoration & Design building at 979 Third Ave. and the Architects & Designers building at 150 E. 58th St. He also managed leasing at both sites.
Cohen won praise from the city's real estate community for spearheading the makeover of the facade of 655 Madison Ave. He also was instrumental in the development of 1700 Broadway and One Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza. In his capacity as a broker, Cohen was responsible for moving Avon into 676,000 square feet of space at 9 W. 57th St.
He served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Real Estate Board of New York and of The Harmonie Club. Cohen also authored many articles on real estate for such publications as The New York Times and American Banker, and contributed two chapters to the book Arbitration of Real Estate Valuation Disputes.
He reportedly was beloved by friends and family alike for his generosity, sense of humor, and powerful presence. He took pride in initiating many successful real estate ventures that continue to yield benefits to extended family members, friends and business partners.
He attended Columbia Grammar and Prep School, Vanderbilt University and graduated from Syracuse University. Cohen was active with the Syracuse Alumni Association.
Cohen is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, Elizabeth Grace Cohen and Catherine Cohen. He is also survived by his first wife, Joan, and their two children, Robin Cohen Reinach and the aforementioned Michael Cohen.
Services will be held on Thursday, November 17 at 11:00 am at Temple Emanu-El at 1 E. 65th St. Those who wish to honor Jerry Cohen's memory are invited to make a donation in his name to the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation.
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Working with partners Robert Carmel and Edwin Roos, Cohen assembled a portfolio of more than a dozen commercial properties throughout Manhattan, comprising millions of square feet. He also managed a large contingent of renting agents, asset managers and construction managers. In addition to acting as consultant to major real estate owners, he mentored numerous real estate executives.
One of those likely included his son, Michael Cohen, who currently serves as president of the tri-state region for Colliers International.
Among the senior Cohen's many industry accomplishments, the crowning achievement was the transformational restoration of 28-40 W. 23rd St. The property was built in 1878 as the original home of the Stern Brothers Department Store and is currently occupied by
The makeover of 28-40 W. 23rd St. included a restoration of historic design elements on the building's facade that had been obscured by prior occupants. Further reflecting Cohen's design vision, the property's atrium is directly modeled after a similar atrium in the Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris.
Cohen was honored with the 2005 23rd Street Association Distinguished Citizen Award in recognition of his outstanding service and his commitment to the 23rd Street community. The organization also paid tribute to 28-40 W. 23rd St. as Building of the Year.
Cohen drew industry accolades for creating the design concept and marketing strategy behind both the Decoration & Design building at 979 Third Ave. and the Architects & Designers building at 150 E. 58th St. He also managed leasing at both sites.
Cohen won praise from the city's real estate community for spearheading the makeover of the facade of 655 Madison Ave. He also was instrumental in the development of 1700 Broadway and One Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza. In his capacity as a broker, Cohen was responsible for moving Avon into 676,000 square feet of space at 9 W. 57th St.
He served as a member of the Board of Governors of the Real Estate Board of
He reportedly was beloved by friends and family alike for his generosity, sense of humor, and powerful presence. He took pride in initiating many successful real estate ventures that continue to yield benefits to extended family members, friends and business partners.
He attended Columbia Grammar and Prep School, Vanderbilt University and graduated from Syracuse University. Cohen was active with the Syracuse Alumni Association.
Cohen is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children, Elizabeth Grace Cohen and Catherine Cohen. He is also survived by his first wife, Joan, and their two children, Robin Cohen Reinach and the aforementioned Michael Cohen.
Services will be held on Thursday, November 17 at 11:00 am at Temple Emanu-El at 1 E. 65th St. Those who wish to honor Jerry Cohen's memory are invited to make a donation in his name to the Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation.
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