T
he late Tony Goldman was instrumental in revitalizing New York's SoHo, South Beach's Art Deco district, and Miami's Wynwood through his innovative approach to urban development. His family is now honoring his legacy with a $1.5 million gift to the University of Miami School of Architecture.

    Tony Goldman saw beauty in neglected neighborhoods and invested in their transformation. He began this work in the 1970s in SoHo, where he transformed cast-iron factories into sought-after loft apartments and restaurants. His vision also brought iconic art deco hotels back to life on Miami Beach.

    Wynwood, a neighborhood north of downtown Miami, was a different kind of project for Tony Goldman. Devoid of historic architecture, it presented a unique challenge that he tackled with his signature creativity. In 2007, he began using warehouse walls as canvases for graffiti artists and welcomed the world to Wynwood Walls during Art Basel in 2009.

    Tony Goldman's family describes him as a visionary, courageous, energetic, generous, optimistic, romantic, and creative developer who thought in technicolor. His spatial awareness was exceptional, and he had a passion for blighted areas that drove his work.

    Janet Goldman, Tony's wife, is honoring her husband's legacy with a $1.5 million commitment to establish the Tony Goldman Endowed Director of Real Estate Development and Urbanism at the University of Miami School of Architecture. The director will serve as head of the Master of Real Estate Development and Urbanism (MRED+U) program.

    The MRED+U program is an interdisciplinary program that blends real estate development with livable community design. It's a signature program at the school, and the Tony Goldman directorship will enable it to continue attracting top-tier talent.

    Tony Goldman's vision for neighborhoods included opening restaurants and gathering places where people live. He believed in "feeding the neighborhood" to make it thrive. His family continues this work, developing unique projects that respect each neighborhood's DNA.

    Janet Goldman feels honored by the partnership with the School of Architecture, which she believes is a fitting tribute to her husband's legacy as a place-maker and community lover. The Tony Goldman directorship will continue to inspire future generations of place-makers through the MRED+U program and throughout the University.