Throughout the Real Estate Board of New York’s long and storied history, we have been fortunate to work with and learn from the real estate industry’s best and brightest. Burton P. Resnick, who passed away last weekend, was a shining example of the very best our industry—and New York City overall—has to offer.
Burt will be missed by all of us here at REBNY and we extend our sincere condolences to his wife Judith, his family, friends, and colleagues.
Burt Resnick served as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jack Resnick & Sons. He was REBNY’s chair for six years across two separate terms, first from 1989-1991 and again from 2001-2003. He led the organization with strength and wisdom through some of the darkest days in New York City’s history. He helped to unify our industry and propelled REBNY forward on numerous public policy issues. In addition to his thoughtful leadership, Burt remained actively involved in our Executive Committee and served as an advisor and mentor to many in our community.
Building on his father’s legacy at Jack Resnick & Sons, Burt took over the company in the 1960’s. Under Burt’s leadership, Jack Resnick & Sons began developing commercial buildings and also constructed thousands of luxury residences: some condominiums, and some rentals that the firm continues to own and manage, including Manhattan icons such as Symphony House and Gracie Mews.
Today, the premier real estate institution holds approximately 900 rental units and 6 million square feet of commercial office and retail space. Some of the more prominent of the Resnick commercial holdings include One Seaport Plaza (199 Water Street), 52 Broadway, 255 Greenwich Street, 250 and 315 Hudson Street, 485 Madison Avenue, and 110 East 59th Street, where the firm maintains its headquarters.
Burt was incredibly generous with his time and wisdom, which made him a cherished friend, mentor and trusted advisor to an entire generation of builders and owners.
He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge on all things real estate, including the commercial and residential sectors, taxes, construction, and meeting the needs of his tenants. His expertise was crucial in advocating for the real estate industry.
Burt’s dedication and commitment to improving New York extended far beyond his service to REBNY. He was a deeply committed philanthropist, involved in many of the city’s most iconic and treasured institutions. He was a Trustee and Vice Chairman of Carnegie Hall and the Co-Chairman Emeritus of the Real Estate Council of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He was Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Overseers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a member of the Board of Overseers at Weill Cornell Medical College and Graduate School of Medical Sciences.
He was also active in the Jewish community, serving as the National Campaign Chairman of State of Israel Bonds and Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors of Development Corporation for Israel/State of Israel Bonds. He was a member of the New York Regional Board of the Anti-Defamation League and the United States Holocaust Memorial Council and was the Campaign Chairman of the UJA-Federation.
Burt was also an Honorary Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association and a member of the Board of Directors of the Hebrew Home Riverdale, where he also served as Chairman of their Building Committee.
Burt Resnick was a tremendous leader of REBNY and an extraordinary New Yorker. He understood that our industry in intrinsically connected to the success of our city. He will always be an inspiration to us all.
