BUILDER/DEVELOPER LEWIS RUDIN DIES
Supporter of New York Marathon Succumbs to Cancer
By Donna Klein, nyarm

Almost unnoticed, in the midst of the aftermath following the tragic 96events of September 11, a giant in the real estate industry passed away. Lewis Rudin, Chairman of the Association for a Better New York and Rudin Management Company succumbed to bladder cancer on September 20, 2001.

Mr. Rudin spoke at the March 22, 2000 NYARM monthly membership meeting. Many members remember his remarks fondly. "He had a remarkable treasure trove of New York City stories," states Len Jones, NYARM's president. "Mr. Rudin had the audience enthralled with tales of his family's real estate holdings dating back to 1902."

Mr. Rudin related fascinating stories of how his family evolved into the major builders and real estate owners of New York. By borrowing money from relatives, his father was able to purchase a lumberyard in Westchester and built his first building, a six-story elevator building on Benson Street. Rudin conjectured that this was probably one of the first elevator buildings of the time. The Rudin organization still owns and operates that property.

After World War II and finishing college, Lewis and his brother Jack started building a number of apartment buildings in the city. In the 1950's they bought property to develop their first office building on Madison Avenue. "In the course of some 30 or 40 years we built 14 or 15 office buildings and some 20-odd apartment houses which we still own and operate," stated Mr. Rudin.

In response to the deterioration of the city and a sudden termination of large corporate leases, Mr. Rudin headed a group of real estate owners and developers to meet with Mayor John Lindsay. In October 1971 they formed the Association for a Better New York. Their goal was twofold, first, to help the Mayor and the City perform its services better and second, to boost the City through a public relations program.

At the time of his death Mr. Rudin was active in the effort to bring the 2012 Olympics to New York City. He predicted that improvements needed to be made in order to provide the appropriate venues for the Olympics. The upside is that all those upgrades will last way beyond the departure of the games. "I see nothing but a great future for New York," beamed Mr. Rudin.

A little known fact about Mr. Rudin, one that was not highlighted in any of the many obituaries, is that he was instrumental in organizing one of New York City's most famous events, the New York Marathon. Mr. Rudin's father was an avid marathon runner back in the 1920's as a member of the Pastime Athletic Club. In exchange for having Sam Rudin's name on the trophy, Lewis Rudin agreed to sponsor the first marathon. That first race was held in October, 1975 and attracted 1800 runners. This New York City tradition was born with Lewis Rudin's help.

Lewis Rudin, a true New York icon, will be sorely missed.


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