Paul Milstein & family

Paul Milstein (1922-2010), a prominent figure in the real estate and banking sectors, left an indelible mark on both industries through his innovative projects and philanthropic efforts. Born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx, Milstein's journey began in a Jewish family where his father, Morris Milstein, was a pioneer in the flooring business. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Paul, alongside his brother Seymour, propelled the family's legacy into real estate development in the 1950s, establishing Milstein Brothers Real Estate and Milford Management. Their strategic investments transformed transitional neighborhoods, notably with the acquisition of the Biltmore Hotel in 1978 and Douglas Elliman-Gibbons & Ives in 1989. Paul's vision also led to the growth of Emigrant Savings Bank into the country's largest privately owned bank and the founding of New York Private Bank & Trust in 2004. Beyond his business acumen, Milstein's philanthropic contributions through The Paul and Irma Milstein Foundation have supported numerous institutions across medical research, education, and culture. His legacy is cemented in landmarks such as the Milstein Hospital Building at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital and the Paul Milstein Center for Real Estate at Columbia Business School. Paul Milstein's life story is a testament to his impact on New York's landscape and its communities.