Elie Hirschfeld Curates The Energy and Beauty of Manhattan in his Art Collection

Some may know Elie Hirschfeld primarily as a renowned New York real estate developer and philanthropist – but Hirschfeld also has a passion for the arts – which he has enjoyed cultivating through collecting and loaning works of art that are often focused on the beauty of his home city of New York.

"I am always pleased to share my work with other museums and galleries and although each exhibition addresses its own theme, collectively the works that feature New York City as a theme speak to the greater story of the culture, vibrancy and expression alive in of New York. This theme is a dynamic one - changing and consistently relevant in new ways,” said Elie Hirschfeld.

Earlier this year, Mr Hirschfield expanded his art collection with the acquisition of an original work by Mr. Keith Haring, called Radiant Baby. Elie Hirschfeld and his wife Sarah Hirschfeld have always admired the, energy and diversity that continually surge through every street, avenue, park and subway of New York City. He has an enduring appreciation for the work of Keith Haring, a groundbreaking artist that is associated with transformative times in the city.

Radiant Baby was created in the mid-1980s on a steel New York City subway sign in Bowery station. The Bowery Street Station was near the center of the 70s downtown art scene and the metro was no stranger to graffiti; artists' tags were placed on every surface, nook and cranny. Keith Haring's career began in the underground metro system below the city of New York where he used chalk to tag the Subway cards and signs. The station sign was tagged by Haring who used two of his most celebrated tags "Radiant Baby" and "Aids Alligator."

Last year, Hirschfeld lent Georgia O'Keeffe's 1949 drawing of Brooklyn Bridge to the Georgia Museum of Art's exhibition "Icon of Modernism: Representing the Brooklyn Bridge, 1883-1950" and Jacob Lawrence's 1938 Harlem Diner to the Musee du Quai Branly's fall exhibition last year, entitled "The Color Line: African American Artists and Civil Rights in the United States" in Paris.

The president of Hirschfeld Properties LLC , Elie Hirschfeld has become one of Manhattan's most ardent collectors of American art. Hirschfeld's private collection, includes approximately 200 19th and 20th century and contemporary original works by major figures such as Frank Stella, Andy Warhol, Mark Rothko, Alexander Calder, and Stuart Davis, with a strong focus on art depicting and inspired by New York City.

Elie Hirschfeld Expands his Art Collection with Original Work by Keith Haring; Radiant Baby

Elie Hirschfeld and his wife Sarah Hirschfeld have always admired the vibrancy, energy and diversity that continually surge through every street, avenue, park and subway of New York City. And Mr. and Mrs. Hirschfeld continue an enduring appreciation for the work of a groundbreaking artist that forever will be associated with transformative times in this great city – Keith Haring. Elie Hirchfeld expanded his art collection this year with an original work by Mr. Haring, called Radiant Baby. Even now, more than twenty years after his death, Keith Haring remains a symbol of New York City’s street art scene. Haring came to New York to study at the School of Visual Arts in 1978 and quickly became immersed in the city’s alternative art scene, befriending Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kenny Scharf and Andy Warhol. While he experimented with video, installation, collage and performance art, his true talent lay in his line paintings.

Over time, he came to be known for his distinctive style using bold, heavy lines, simple shapes and figures, and bright colors. In the ’80s, Haring gained international recognition, but he never stopped giving back to the community, creating many public murals around the world.

Keith Haring joined a long but sporadic lineage of twentieth century artists who brought elements of popular culture, "low art" and non-art elements into the formerly exclusive "high art" spaces of museums and galleries.

He drew on the techniques and locales of street-based art such as graffiti and murals, employed bright and artificial colors, and kept imagery accessible in order to grab the eyes and minds of viewers and get them both to enjoy themselves and to engage with important concerns.

Elie Hirschfeld says, “Keith Haring unifies many layers of New York City’s culture - both the refined and gritty, the cultivated, edified and self-taught. The energy carried through his artwork is unmatched. Sarah and I will always treasure the work of Keith Haring that we recently added to our collection.”

From the Collection of Sarah and Elie Hirschfeld, Adolf Dehn Painting, Central Park Winter, on Loan to Fairfield University Museum

NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 03/01/17 -- Elie Hirschfeld is a widely known and highly regarded real estate developer based in New York City. As a natural complement to contributing to the face of the city through real estate development, Elie Hirschfeld and his wife Sarah are avid art connoisseurs and collectors. They have loaned an important painting to The Fairfield University Art Museum for a new exhibition, featuring the work of Adolf Dehn (1895-1968), from the 1920s through the 1960s. The show highlights Dehn's sketches, drawings, lithographs, and watercolors showing wide-angle views of Manhattan from Central Park, the Brooklyn docks, Staten Island Ferry and other iconic locations. The piece on loan from the collection of Sara and Elie Hirschfeld is titled "Central Park Winter" and was completed in 1957.

Adolf Dehn is a talented artist that holds a special place in the Collection of Sarah and Elie Hirschfeld. They share affection for the city's powerful architecture, awe-inspiring Central Park landscape, vibrant communities and unique vistas that so often inspired Dehn. Adolf Dehn was widely regarded as a master lithographer and exhibited extensively in New York City galleries throughout his career. He also contributed regularly to magazines including Vogue, Vanity Fair, and The New Yorker.

The exhibition opened on January 27, 2017 and runs through April 7, 2017 at the Fairfield University Art Museum in Connecticut, and aims to highlight the great work of this prolific artist. And the show focuses on Dehn's favorite subject; Manhattan, its people and places.

"I have always been inspired by the beauty and vibrancy of New York City. Central Park Winter is a painting that captures Manhattan's beauty and energy, even in the stillness of winter and under a blanket of snow," said Elie Hirschfeld. "I'm very glad to have the opportunity to share this piece with a larger audience at the Fairfield University Art Museum."

About Elie Hirschfeld Elie Hirschfeld serves as President of Hirschfeld Properties, LLC, a leading New York-based real estate development firm. Under the leadership of Elie Hirschfeld, Hirschfeld Properties has engaged in the development or ownership of some of the most renowned office buildings, hotels, multi-family residential buildings, parking facilities and retail projects in New York City. It has developed projects such as luxury residential towers Park Avenue Plaza, The Gotham and The Exchange, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hotel Pennsylvania, New York's first open-air parking garages, Manhattan Mall and the Sports Club LA Building.

Sarah and Elie Hirschfeld Expand their Art Collection with Original Work by Keith Haring

Elie Hirschfeld and his wife Sarah have always admired the vibrancy, energy and diversity that continually surge through every street, avenue, park and subway of New York City. And Mr. and Mrs. Hirschfeld continue an enduring appreciation for the work of a groundbreaking artist that forever will be associated with transformative times in this great city – Keith Haring. Elie Hirchfeld and Sarah expanded their art collection this year with an original work by Mr. Haring. Even now, more than twenty years after his death, Keith Haring remains a symbol of New York City’s street art scene. Haring came to New York to study at the School of Visual Arts in 1978 and quickly became immersed in the city’s alternative art scene, befriending Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kenny Scharf and Andy Warhol. While he experimented with video, installation, collage and performance art, his true talent lay in his line paintings.

Over time, he came to be known for his distinctive style using bold, heavy lines, simple shapes and figures, and bright colors. In the ’80s, Haring gained international recognition, but he never stopped giving back to the community, creating many public murals around the world.

Keith Haring joined a long but sporadic lineage of twentieth century artists who brought elements of popular culture, "low art" and non-art elements into the formerly exclusive "high art" spaces of museums and galleries.

He drew on the techniques and locales of street-based art such as graffiti and murals, employed bright and artificial colors, and kept imagery accessible in order to grab the eyes and minds of viewers and get them both to enjoy themselves and to engage with important concerns.

Elie Hirschfeld says, “Keith Haring unifies many layers of New York City’s culture - both the refined and gritty, the cultivated, edified and self-taught. The energy carried through his artwork is unmatched. Sarah and I will always treasure the work of Keith Haring that we recently added to our collection.”

Elie Hirschfeld, Trump’s New York real estate buddies descend on DC

Elie Hirschfeld, an early Trump supporter who worked alongside him at the Riverside South apartment development in the 1980s, will be spending some of his time with the Republican Party of New York at Washington’s Loews Madison Hotel, where a number of city real estate players are expected to show for a Thursday morning breakfast. “It’s very exciting, but we in New York are a little jaded because we know the president-elect so well,” Elie Hirschfeld said in an interview, “in a sense that takes a little bit away from the magnificence of the event.”When Donald Trump raises his right hand and puts his other on the the Lincoln Bible, his real estate friends from New York City will be standing nearby. A cadre of real estate bigwigs are descending on the nation’s capital to watch one of their own be sworn in as the 45th President of the United States. The guest list isn’t surprising: Outspoken supporters like Richard LeFrak , Howard Lorber and Steve Witkoff have all confirmed that they will attend Friday’s ceremony. Vornado Realty Trust’s Steve Roth will most likely also be in the crowd, though he hasn’t yet confirmed his plans. The night before the inauguration, some of the country’s biggest financial underwriters will be attending a private dinner with the president-elect. Witkoff said he’s attending the candlelight dinner at Union Station, which is part of a package of perks offered to those who donated at least $250,000 to the Presidential Inauguration Committee. Those who donated at least $1 million received a slew of additional benefits, including tickets to a private dinner with Vice President-elect Mike Pence and his wife. Michael Lorber, the son of the Vector Group CEO, posted a video on Instagram of the vice presidential dinner.

Inaugural attendees from the real estate world were major financial backers during Trump’s campaign as well. Roth and LeFrak each individually donated $250,000 to the Trump Victory Fund, and Lorber and Witkoff each gave $200,000, according to the latest filings from the Federal Election Commission. Catsimatidis gave $100,000, Joe Cayre donated $50,000 and Ziel Feldman chipped in $25,000.

LeFrak and Feldman confirmed through representatives that they would attend the inauguration. Cayre had a vacation commitment with his grandchildren that will keep him away from the festivities. Stan Gale Jr. said he, his father and sister will be at the inauguration. Catsimatidis, who when asked last summer which candidate he would support for president told TRD “I’m very friendly with both people running,” is also attending.

Elie Hirschfeld, an early Trump supporter who worked alongside him at the Riverside South apartment development in the 1980s, will be spending some of his time with the Republican Party of New York at Washington’s Loews Madison Hotel, where a number of city real estate players are expected to show for a Thursday morning breakfast. “It’s very exciting, but we in New York are a little jaded because we know the president-elect so well,” Elie Hirschfeld said in an interview, “in a sense that takes a little bit away from the magnificence of the event.”

Elie Hirschfeld isn’t the only Trump old-timer drawing his sentiments from decades of Trumpanionship. Kramer Levin attorney Jay Neveloff, who has represented Trump on major deals dating back to Trump Tower in the early 1980s, said the 58th presidential inauguration would for him be more exciting than most. “It’s somebody I’ve known for so long, that’s the exciting thing,” Neveloff said. While he won’t be attending the candlelight dinner, Neveloff did say he had “great seats” for the parade.

Over the next few days, Trump’s friends will be staying at the Ritz-Carlton, the Willard InterContinental, the Loews Madison Hotel and the Fairmont. No one who spoke to TRD, however, said they were staying at the newly-opened Trump International Hotel.

Real estate developer Elie Hirschfeld supports Donald Trump

Pope Francis may have met with Elie Hirschfeld in Rome last month, but that won’t stop the real estate developer from endorsing the pontiff’s new nemesis, Donald Trump, for president. Hirschfeld — the developer behind New York landmarks including the Hotel Pennsylvania and the Crowne Plaza Hotel — even famously rented his Hamptons mansion for two summers to Hillary and Bill Clinton, but still insists he’s firmly in The Donald’s camp.The Hirschfeld Properties chief was granted an audience with the pope last month after being invited by his rabbi, and said his holiness was warm and gracious, but he just isn’t The Donald.

Elie Hirschfeld, who partnered with Trump on apartment complex Riverside South, told Page Six of the Republican frontrunner, “I consider him a giant in business. Donald is actually extraordinary, he is so engaging. When you meeting him you get a Bill Clinton-esque feeling of warmth. He’s charming, and its a little bit disarming because you don’t see initially the genius in the man, but that is what he is, he works nonstop.”

The Clintons stayed at Elie Hirschfeld’s mansion at 211 Lily Pond Lane in 2011 and 2012, until a dispute over a security deposit sent them to rent elsewhere. Of Hillary, Elie Hirschfeld said, “I admire Secretary Clinton greatly, but these two candidates are different types of people. I think Donald Trump can be an extraordinary leader for America and the world in a way that not many people appreciate yet.”

Papal encounter can’t trump Elie Hirschfeld’s belief that the Donald should be president

The Pope may be infallible, but that won’t stop developer Elie Hirschfeld – who met with the pontiff in Rome last month – from endorsing Donald Trump as the next president of the United States of America.

Pope Francis recently drew the Donald’s ire when he said during a trip to Mexico that the GOP candidate’s plan to build a wall on the southern border is “not Christian.” Trump fired back, naturally, saying he envisioned ISIS descending on the Vatican in the near future, adding that the Pope would have “wished and prayed” that he were president if the day comes.Elie Hirschfeld, who considers both the real estate mogul and his Democratic rival Hilary Clinton personal friends, said Trump’s track record of building makes him perfect for the job of president. “Simply, there’s no more rough ­and tumble ­game than making it in New York City real estate and the Donald is best equipped to make it happen,” Elie Hirschfeld wrote announcing the endorsement. “Trump is a giant and I would invest with him anytime, and this country would be well ­served by having this man as President of the United States.”

The real estate mogul, whose company was behind such buildings as the Hotel Pennsylvania and the Manhattan Mall, recently visited the Pope at the Vatican. “I was a handshake away from him,” he said, describing a wordless interaction with the Pope, who he said exuded a sense of calm, warmth and graciousness. Back in the 1980s, Hirschfeld was Trump’s business partner on his mega development known as Penn Yards on the Upper West Side, now called Riverside Boulevard. Meanwhile, the Clintons are known to vacation at Hirschfeld’s eight­ bedroom mansion in East Hampton. They stayed there in 2011 and 2012, but reportedly changed their plans following a dispute over security.

Elie Hirschfeld said he maintains a personal relationship with both Clinton and Trump, but in the end gives the Donald the nod for the big job.

Elie Hirschfeld's East Hampton Home To Host Preview Party for The East Hampton Historical Society's 2015 House & Garden Tour

NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- The celebrated and storied East Hampton home of the renowned New York developer and philanthropist Elie Hirschfeld will play host to the Preview Party of the East Hampton Historical Society's 2015 House & Garden Tour. http://easthamptonhistory.org/events.php The magnificent 12,000 square-foot mansion on 200 feet of dazzling ocean front was chosen by former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State and current presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as their summer vacation home in 2011 and 2012.

"It is truly an honor for me that the Historical Society selected my home as the venue for such a meaningful event on the East End of Long Island," said Hirschfeld.

The landmark home was originally designed and built in 1920 by celebrated architect John Custis Lawrence and boasts five fireplaces, eight bedrooms, 7.5 baths, two powder rooms, a large living salon, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen and a massive library. Hirschfeld noted that the former President did a fine job of reorganizing the library during his stay at the home.

The President showed me how he reorganized the library not only by subjects but also by putting them in chronological order," Hirschfeld said. Hirschfeld, whose Manhattan projects include the Grand Sutton co-op and the Crowne Plaza hotel, bought the 12,000-square-foot oceanfront property in 1996.

"Manhattan is my home, but East Hampton will always hold a special place in my heart," says the iconic New York figure who has become a prominent figure on the East End.

In June, the accomplished triathlete excelled in the Mighty Montauk Triathlon, the proceeds of which benefitted the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research https://www.lustgarten.org/, the St. Therese Youth Group http://www.rchurch.com/St.-Therese-Of-Lisieux- 85844.html, The East Hampton PBA ehtpba.org/ and The Montauk Ambulance Squad https://www.montauk-online.com/? s=Services/Emergency/Medical/Ambulance.

The benefit Preview Party http://easthamptonhistory.org/events.php will run from 6 to 8 p.m. "Where Lily Pond Lane Meets Georgica Beach," in the Hirschfeld home.

Tickets start at $200, which includes admission to the self-guided house and garden tour the following day. Tickets to the tour alone are priced at $65 in advance and $75 on the day of the event. They can be purchased online or at the Historical Society . ttp://easthamptonhistory.org/events.php building at 101 Main Street.

For more information, please call: 631-324-6850. Or go online to: http://easthamptonhistory.org/events.php

Media Contact: Elie Hirschfeld, Hirschfeld Properties, (212) 355-3838, info@hirschfeldnyc.com News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com SOURCE Hirschfeld Properties

Elie Hirschfeld may give contract to "The Bachelorette" champ at UES Hirschfeld condo

Real estate mogul never saw the show before their meeting on the construction site Real estate mogul Elie Hirschfeld, president of Hirschfeld Properties, was shocked yesterday afternoon to run into Season 7 winner of "The Bachelorette," J.P. Rosenbaum, at a new Upper East Side Hirschfeld condominium.Rosenbaum, who featured as the honest, passionate workman who stole bachelorette Ashley Hebert's heart in the ABC show, is a project manager at the Madison Avenue-based J Companies and is in the running to manage construction at the site. Hirschfeld, who has recently seen Rosenbaum on the cover of People magazine, was very impressed with Rosenbaum's knowledge of New York real estate.

"I haven't watched the show," he said, "but I was pleasantly surprised to meet him and to learn about his involvement with the show. The J Companies do a lot of fine work."

The development Rosenbaum may oversee is a 14-story condo building at 218 East 79th Street, Hirschfeld said. Demolition has begun at the site, which is currently home to a private townhouse. Hirschfeld and Maxine Dovere, his private partner on the project, have owned the site since 2002, but opted to delay development in light of the financial crisis.

The 2,000-square-foot site will be converted into full-floor luxury units of around 1,400 square feet each. Hirschfeld declined to comment on the time frame for construction, which he says is still in the early stages.

The J Companies is a construction and development firm. Projects listed on its website include work at 40 Gansevoort Street and 141 Fifth Avenue. A Long Island native, Rosenbaum, who ended his television stint by proposing to Hebert, was not immediately available for comment.

Clintons Reportedly Headed to Elie Hirschfeld's $25M Hampton Estate

The Clintons have reportedly rented a $25 million mansion for the summer.

Former President Bill Clinton and his Secretary of State wife Hillary Clinton reportedly rented the ocean front East Hampton mansion owned by real-estate mogul Elie Hirschfeld which is on the market for a $25 million. A source told the New York Daily News that they were planning on staying there for the week of August 22 to 28 - a few days after Bill's 65th birthday. (Courtesy of Southeby's)

Brown University Alumnus Elie Hirschfeld Donates $1 Million

NEW YORK, July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Elie Hirschfeld, president of Hirschfeld Properties, a leading New York Real Estate Development Firm, announced today that he will donate an additional $125,000 to Brown University, making his total gift to his Alma Mater $1 million. A 1971 graduate of Brown University with Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude honors in Math & Economics, Hirschfeld is a Trustee Emeritus of the University. At Brown, Elie was elected President of his Class in his senior year. He served as President of Brown Hillel in his sophomore year. After graduating, Elie was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Brown in 1992 and served as a Trustee until 2001."Supporting Brown since I graduated is an honor. The university instilled important values and is a wonderful institution that I am blessed and proud to support," said Elie Hirschfeld. Elie's donations have made a substantial impact at Brown. Elie established and funded the Elie Hirschfeld Presidential Fellowship in Comparative Studies. This Presidential Fellowship has brought to Brown distinguished Professors from other institutions such as Harvard University to teach about the interrelationship of religion and other fields.

Elie received additional Brown Honors, including: the Young Leadership Award in 1986, the Alumni Service Award in 1989 and the distinguished Nan Tracy Award for service in 2008.

For more information please visit www.HirschfeldNYC.com or www.hirschfeldfoundations.com

About Elie Hirschfeld President and CEO of Hirschfeld Properties since 1997, has dedicated his professional life to real estate development planning and implementation. Since joining the company in 1976, Mr. Hirschfeld's projects have included the development of prominent New York City properties such as the Grand Sutton, the Hotel Pennsylvania, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and Park Avenue Court. Mr. Hirschfeld is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the company and leading all aspects of development including new project analysis, lease marketing and negotiation, legal strategies, and architectural and construction management. Elie Hirschfeld directed Hirschfeld Properties, LLC into partnerships with other distinguished real estate development firms such as the Zeckendorf Organization, the Donald Trump Organization, The Silverstein Organization, Empire Realty Group, Belz Enterprises of Memphis and the shopping mall development group, The Mel Simon Organization.

Contact: Ronn Torossian (212) 999-5585

Source: Elie Hirschfeld / Related Links - http://www.HirschfeldNYC.com

Elie Hirschfeld’s marathon ways

Elie Hirschfeld is nothing like his late dad Abe Hirschfeld, the publicity-loving real-estate man who once long ago controlled this newspaper for a few days between his hapless campaigns for public office. Elie, 60, started jogging 27 years ago. He completed 10 marathons and 75 triathlons. Last February, he was the oldest competitor in Israel’s Israman Ironman Distance Triathlon. And this weekend, he’ll run, bike and swim in the Eiffel Tower Triathlon in Paris. We’re exhausted just thinking about it.

Elie Hirschfeld Makes Charitable Gifts to Support Roosevelt Hospital's Emergency Department

NEW YORK, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- A new commitment of $50,000 from Elie Hirschfeld, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hirschfeld Properties and a Trustee of Continuum Health Partners, will help further underwrite Roosevelt Hospital's Emergency Department (ED) Expansion and Redesign Project.\r\nHis gifts to the initiative, to date, total over $150,000. "As a member of the real estate community, I am well aware of the booming development in the neighborhood surrounding Roosevelt Hospital," Elie Hirschfeld said in announcing his latest gift. "It was easy to see that the Emergency Department would need to expand to keep pace with the rising demand associated with the growth in the surrounding neighborhoods."His first gift of $100,000 named the Ambulatory Triage Unit in the Roosevelt ED - a fitting recognition for his critically important initial commitment that launched the fundraising program for the entire ED project in 2004. "Early support from the Board of Trustees was key to the success of our effort and we are so grateful for Elie Hirschfeld's leadership and generosity," said Frank J. Cracolici, President of St. Luke's and Roosevelt Hospitals.

This major expansion and renovation is timely due to the significant residential development in the neighborhood surrounding the hospital, particularly west of 11th Avenue. Elie Hirschfeld recently made a second commitment of $50,000 to the project because, as he explained, "Manhattan's West Side is experiencing a lot of change that warrants this important project to expand emergent care services at Roosevelt Hospital. I am pleased to play a role in making a significant and lasting impact on the health and well-being of my fellow residents."

For additional information regarding the philanthropic endeavors of Elie Hirschfeld, visit http://hirschfeldfoundations.com. About Elie Hirschfeld President and CEO of Hirschfeld Properties since 1997, Elie Hirschfeld has dedicated his professional life to real estate development planning and implementation. Since joining the company in 1976, Elie Hirschfeld's projects have included the development of prominent New York City properties such as the Grand Sutton, the Hotel Pennsylvania, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and Park Avenue Court. Elie Hirschfeld is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the company and leading all aspects of development including new project analysis, lease marketing and negotiation, legal strategies, and architectural and construction management. Elie Hirschfeld directed Hirschfeld Properties, LLC into partnerships with other distinguished real estate development firms such as the Zeckendorf Organization, the Donald Trump Organization, The Silverstein Organization, Empire Realty Group, Belz Enterprises of Memphis and the shopping mall development group, The Mel Simon Organization.

Additionally, Elie Hirschfeld is an avid sportsman, having completed the New York City Marathon and the New York City Triathlon several times, and the Mighty Hamptons Triathlon for the last twenty consecutive years.

Manhattan Mogul Elie Hirschfeld Acquires Important Painting by Francoise Gilot

NEW YORK, NY (PRNEWSWIRE.COM.- Manhattan real estate tycoon and President of Hirschfeld Properties, LLC, Elie Hirschfeld publically announces the acquisition of "Gingko Trees in Central Park" (2002-2004, Oil on Canvas), an original painting by Francoise Gilot (born 1921). "'Gingko Trees in Central Park' holds great meaning to me because it depicts a special New York City scene and reminds me of the large ginkgo tree in the backyard of my parents' home," said Elie Hirschfeld. "I am honored to have purchased this painting and own a small part of such a great history. Ms. Gilot is an inspiration to all, both as an artist and as a person. Through this acquisition, it was a pleasure getting to know Ms. Gilot and I look forward to our ongoing friendship." In addition to her famous life associations and significant books highlighting her work, her paintings have graced the auction blocks of Sotheby's and the walls of renowned galleries around the world. Currently, her internationally recognized work is being shown in Tokyo.

Elie Hirschfeld is an avid art collector who began his collection with "The Artists Show in Washington Square Park" by Thomas Hart Benton. Since then, his collection has grown to hundreds of New York scenes. Some notable works include Andy Warhol's "Brooklyn Bridge," Frank Stella's "Squares" and Normal Rockwell's "Gramercy Park." His private collection is currently housed in his various Manhattan homes.

Elie Hirschfeld President and CEO of Hirschfeld Properties since 1997, Elie Hirschfeld has dedicated his professional life to real estate development planning and implementation. Since joining the company in 1976, Mr. Hirschfeld's projects have included the development of prominent New York City properties such as the Grand Sutton, the Hotel Pennsylvania, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and Park Avenue Court.

Elie Hirschfeld is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the company and leading all aspects of development including new project analysis, lease marketing and negotiation, legal strategies, and architectural and construction management. Elie Hirschfeld directed Hirschfeld Properties, LLC into partnerships with other distinguished real estate development firms such as the Zeckendorf Organization, the Donald Trump Organization, The Silverstein Organization, Empire Realty Group, Belz Enterprises of Memphis and the shopping mall development group, The Mel Simon Organization.

Additionally, Hirschfeld is an avid sportsman, having completed the New York City Marathon and the New York City Triathlon several times, and the Mighty Hamptons Triathlon for the last twenty consecutive years.

Q & A with Hirschfeld Properties CEO Elie Hirschfeld

Elie Hirschfeld is the president and CEO of Hirschfeld Properties, where he worked with his late father, parking garage titan Abraham Hirschfeld, for more than 20 years. A triathlete and an avid theatergoer (he’s been a voter in the Tony Awards every year since 1996), Elie Hirschfeld and his company were behind such projects as New York’s first open-air garage, the Hotel Pennsylvania and the Manhattan Mall. This week, The Real Deal talked to the developer, who is reportedly worth more than half a billion dollars (he wouldn’t comment on his wealth), about his portfolio, the Hamptons home he’s selling, the shocking scandal that rocked his family, and the Hirschfeld legacy. What’s your birth date?

Christmas, 1949. It’s the best. I feel like the whole world is celebrating with me.

Where do you live?

I have a home in Kings Point, on Long Island. I just did a significant renovation, now complete, of an old Tudor-style home on an acre and a half. It was about a three-year effort. It’s nine bedrooms, and regrettably, 11 bathrooms and an outdoor shower. I know — it’s too many [bathrooms].

Do you personally own other properties in the city?

I had a home in Manhattan at 1067 Fifth Avenue — I still own that home. It’s a co-op. I’m separated from my wife, [Susan Hirschfeld], and she still lives there.

How many children do you have?

I have five: Daniella is 29 and lives in Boston; David is 26 and lives in Las Vegas; Benjamin is 12; Jonathan is 11 and Matthew is 10.

Do you have a comment on the ongoing lawsuit with your wife over child support?

No.

How has your East Hampton home on Lily Pond Lane been doing on the market since it came online in November?

I’m halfhearted about the sale. I love the home. Sometimes I am hoping it reaches my price and sometimes I hope it doesn’t. It’s still listed for $25 million. I’ve received offers close, but not close enough.

Has you business strategy changed since the downturn?

We’re looking at assets in the [New York City] metro area and at various locations in the city. There’s nothing to announce, exactly, right now, but we are seeking to make acquisitions… and we’ve made some purchases, in fact.

Are you working on any new projects right now?

I’m doing a small renovation of 218 East 79th Street. It’ll be a luxury rental in a two-family townhouse — one duplex, one triplex. We’re working with Linda Gottlieb at Prudential Douglas Elliman on pricing right now. We acquired it three years ago and had in mind to develop a high-rise there but we put that on hold. The market is difficult for that right now. I can preserve the property this way and hold it for a 10- to 12-year term. Maybe we’ll end up acquiring more property around it.

What do you think will happen with building prices this year?

My sense is that there’s a slow-but-steady, moderate improvement happening. I don’t know that [we’ve hit bottom] for sure. There could be some tendency to slip along the way.

Tiger Woods’ alleged fourth mistress, Jamie Jungers, checked out an apartment at your Zeckendorf Towers late last year. Did she end up signing a lease?

We typically don’t comment on tenant activities.

What do you think of Vornado Realty Trust’s plans to demolish the Hotel Pennsylvania, which you sold to the company in 2000, and build a new skyscraper on the site?

I have mixed emotions about that. The old hotel is a fantastically important landmark to New York City. It’s hard for us to appreciate today that it was once one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, but it was when it was built in 1919. It has a great deal of history. On the other hand, the new plan is also quite remarkable.

You’re quite the athlete. What’s your training schedule like?

In the winter, I bike indoors or swim. Running — I just go out on the roads. Last month, I did an Ironman, which is a very long triathlon, in Israel, so I was training 15 to 20 hours a week. Now, I’m relaxing a bit, so I’m training, let’s say, half. But I’ll build up soon because I’m going to be doing a half-Ironman in June with my daughter [Daniella], and I signed up to do the Paris Triathlon in July. I’ve done 75-plus triathlons in my lifetime, and of course many marathons.

Have you ever won?

On June 10, 2006 at the Montauk Triathlon, I came in first in my age group — over 55.

How did you get to be a Tony Awards voter?

You can get nominated from a certain amount of involvement with the theater community. I’ve made some investments in the theater. I probably see 25 shows a year.

Any recommendations?

“A View from the Bridge” was excellent. “Memphis” — I thought it was just wonderful.

What did you learn about the real estate business from your father, Abe Hirschfeld?

I think a made a very smart decision in my life to find a very smart partner. Dad worked on sort of, all-instinct. He couldn’t sometimes even explain why he made decisions to me, he just made them. I value that sense of instinctively knowing what to do, but I’m different. I take more time, which is not always better at all. I work sometimes at being more instinctive in my decision-making. And then I try to overcome some of the weaknesses. Sometimes he might’ve been brusque with people.

In 2000, your father was sent to prison for 22 months for plotting to kill his business partner, Stanley Stahl. What was that episode like for you?

It was a very hard period for me. I suffered while I saw him suffering. I felt very hurt, embarrassed, lonely through that period. I wasn’t investigated but I feared that I might be. I’ve struggled to try to rebuild relationships with people who didn’t know whether I misbehaved, and fortunately, I’ve been found not to have misbehaved in any respect.