Our Founder: Tony Goldman

Goldman Properties was the vision of one man, Tony Goldman, a modern American pioneer. Tony was an entrepreneur, a historic preservationist, a romantic and sensitive developer, a restaurateur, a hotelier and a patron of the arts. He had an unparalleled drive, a creative spirit that knew no boundaries and a deep devotion to family and friends. At the core, Tony was an artist. His canvas was the neglected urban neighborhoods of the United States which he transformed into thriving international destinations, his masterpieces. Above all he was an original, utterly fearless, thinker, dreamer and doer. He was a once in a lifetime individual. Tony Goldman died as he lived, with courage, dignity and love on September, 11th, 2012. Our world will never be the same, but he certainly left it much more beautiful and far richer for all.

Awards and Accolades

Chairman of Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive Association 1992-2001
Member of the National Board of Trustees of the National Trust for Historic Preservation
Chairman of the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau 2001-2003
Chairman of the Historic Hotels of America 1996

Board member for New York City’s Downtown Alliance
Trustee of the Projects for Public Spaces 2005-2012
Member of the Board of Trustees of Emerson College in Boston
Received the Emerson College Distinguished Alumni Award 2011

Speaker at Harvard Business School, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Miami
Adjunct professor at New York University, developing a course as part of the Freshman Honors Program, and speaking at the Dean’s Lecture Series.

Received the Louise Du Pont Crown in Shield Award, the highest accolade bestowed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation 2010
Commencement speaker at Columbia University’s school of Architecture and Real Estate Development

Member of the Advisory Council for the University of Miami’s Masters Program in Real Estate Development & Urbanism,
Awarded the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce’s Leonard A. “Doc” Baker Lifetime Achievement Award 2012

Tonyisms

"Don’t believe what I say, believe what I do"

"Grit next to beauty makes beauty
all the more beautiful"

"If you don’t do something out of the ordinary,
it stays ordinary"

"Feed the neighborhood and it will feed you"

"Vision is daydreaming with your
feet on the ground"

Testimonials

I wish I knew Tony when he was 25, when he was 35, and he when he was 45 – so I could see the evolution of the artist. Alberto Ibarguen, CEO of James L. Knight Foundation, Former Publisher of the Miami Herald

Tony’s passion was not so much about what a city currently is or what it was, but more about what it could become...what it has never been. It is not the right to the existing city that he demanded, but the right to a future city...to make today’s impossibility into tomorrow’s possibility. Manny Diaz, Mayor of Miami, Florida 2001-2009

We were always impressed with Tony’s two – tracked mind: up in the clouds big vision, and ruthless attention to detail. It took both to accomplish what he set out to do. Dick Moe, former President of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

Tony was a force of nature in the most charming way. With dozens of projects going on at once, he always found time to listen intently. He was a visionary who understood people and neighborhoods and had a gift for articulating his ideas, mobilizing the forces and getting to the finish line. Martha Cooper, Photographer

Tony Goldman towered above others not just with his ideas, but how he implemented them. In a world edging toward excellence, he led the pack. Tony was the Michelangelo of Creative Placemaking, and his energy was infectious. Fred Kent, Founder and President of the Project for Public Spaces

Tony was a delightful man, a truly creative visionary, and always fun besides. I am pretty sure he is up there in heaven right now, making deals and scouting out all of the best places, so that by the time I get there, again there will be very little left to choose from! Tony Shafrazi, Gallerist

It was always exciting to be in Tony’s presence. He was one of the exceptional people who made things happen and who gave to other people and the community more than he took for himself. Tony became America’s most important patron of Street Art. The artist community really appreciates his generous support and his brilliant vision. Jeffrey Deitch, Director of LA Museum of Contemporary Art

I will never forget the first time I met Tony....I as a long haired tattooed biker. I handed him my credit report and he said “forget about that...I get a good feeling about you...just pay our “f-ing” rent on time and you’re in.” Wow, I thought, my kinda guy. Billy Leroy, former tenant, Host of Travel Channel's Baggage Battles

There are encounters and moments in life that cannot be measured. Their meaning goes beyond time. The first time you see the skyline of Manhattan or the majesty of the Grand Canyon, the moment when you realize that you found the love of your life don’t lose an iota of their importance, because they lasted only minutes. Meeting Tony and Janet was such a moment. They last for a lifetime. I know that I only got a small glimpse what Tony was as a human being, but he changed my outlook on life. Tony is my role model when I try to lead a team, to develop a vision, to inspire people and to spread joy amount the people I love. He was a master in all this, powerful and elegant, joyful and inspiring. Claus Kleber, German Journalist, Anchor Man for Heute Journal

Our Founder: Tony Goldman

History of Goldman Properties narrated by Tony Goldman

Tony is Here

Awards and Accolades

Tonyisms

Testimonials