Lewis Rudin (April 4, 1927 – September 20, 2001) was an American real estate investor and developer. Along with his older brother Jack Rudin, he presided over Rudin Management, a family empire of 40 buildings valued at $2 billion including more than 3,500 apartments in 22 buildings in New York City.

Rudin was a founding member of The Real Estate Roundtable,"Real Estate Roundtable Welcomes New Chairman-Elect, Board and Committee Leadership" NewsSRX via Gale Document Number: GALE|A387503199. October 8, 2014. Accessed February 28, 2023. and a co-founder of both the National Association on Drug Abuse Problems (NADAP) and the Association for a Better New York (ABNY). Rudin also contributed to efforts to rescue New York City from imminent bankruptcy during the 1975 New York City fiscal crisis."The Lew Rudin Way", documentary on CUNY TV channel 75, 7/4/2016

Life and family Born to a Jewish family in the Bronx to May (née Cohen) and Samuel Rudin, he graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in 1944, and the New York University School of Commerce after serving as a sergeant in the Army during World War II. Along with his brother he joined the family real estate holding, Rudin Management Company, which had been founded by his grandfather Louis Rudinsky, a Polish-Jewish immigrant, who initially worked as a grocer before establishing the family's real estate business in the 1920s. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Rudin family was one of the most prolific builders of skyscrapers in Manhattan.The Real Deal: "Ranking NYC's real estate dynasties - TRD breaks down the portfolios and profits of the industry's major families" By Adam Pincus October 01, 2013

The Rudin Center for Transportation Policy & Management at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service is named to honor his financial gift to New York University."RUDIN CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION POLICY & MANAGEMENT" New York University. Accessed February 28, 2023. In 2001, New York City named a portion of East 52nd Street, Lewis Rudin Way.

Career Rudin Management In 1975, after the death of his father, Lewis and his brother Jack took over the family company. Jack focused on construction and operations while Lewis focused on financing and marketing.Wall Street Journal: "How One Family Passes It On, and On...The Rudins' Real Estate Empire Spans Generations" By Sarah Rose April 6, 2014 In 1990, the Rudin Management portfolio was valued at $1.5 billion.New York Times: "May Rudin, 95, a Philanthropist And New York Real-Estate Owner" By WOLFGANG SAXON July 24, 1992

His son William and nephew Eric succeeded him running the company, as CEO and president, respectively. William C. Rudin also became chairman of the Association for a Better New York, co-founded by his fatherRudin Family Forbes. Accessed February 28, 2023. in 1971.

Property developments Company developments include:

3 Times Square 345 Park Avenue 350 Park Avenue 55 Broad Street 32 Avenue of the Americas New York Merchandise Mart

Personal life Rudin was married three times. His first wife was Gladyce Largever.New York Times: "Gladyce Largever Begelman, Author and Party Consultant" June 30, 1986New York Times: "Paid Notice: Deaths LARGEVER, IDA (HAIMOWITZ)" August 8, 1997 They had two children, including Beth Rudin DeWoody. His ex-wife Gladyce remarried to film executive David Begelman.Los Angeles Times: "Wife Of Film Exec Begelman" June 29, 1986 His second wife was Wilhelmina model Basha Szymanska. His third wife and widow was Rachel (Weingarten) Rudin.

References

Further reading Seymour P. Lachman, Mr. New York: Lew Rudin and His Love for the City (SUNY Press, 2014)

External links