Gilbert Tilles (December 31, 1916 – November 14, 1990) was an American real estate developer and philanthropist based in Long Island, New York.[1] In the 1950s, he partnered with developer Irving Berger built many shopping centers on Long Island, including the Levittown Shopping Center.[2] In 1961, he founded the Tilles Development Corporation, which built industrial parks in the New York metropolitan area.[2]
Gilbert Tilles | |
|---|---|
| Born | December 31, 1916 |
| Died | November 14, 1990 (aged 73) |
| Occupation | Real Estate Agent |
| Known for | real estate, and development of Long Island |
| Notable work | Crossways Industrial Park |
| Spouse | Rose Tilles |
Tilles served in several board positions including honorary chairman of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, vice chairman of Long Island University, and board member of the Long Island Jewish Center.[2]
Early life and education
editTilles graduated from the University of Michigan in 1937.[2]
Career
editIn 1950, Gilbert Tilles, along with his partner Irving Berger purchased a 100-acre farm that was called Island Trees. Gilbert Tilles would then use this land to build the Levittown Shopping Center,[3] which opened in 1953, becoming the largest pedestrian mall east of the Mississippi at the time it was opened.[4] By 1955, Gilbert Tilles and Irving Berger had 11 shopping centers built.
Bridge Plans
editIn the 1960s, as the Long Island Expressway was expanding towards Woodbury, Gilbert Tilles' friend Bill Casey introduced him to state Park Commission President Robert Moses, and U.S. Presidential Advisor Nelson Rockefeller. Together, they discussed a planned bridge between Westchester and Oyster Bay. Seeing an opportunity for office buildings, Gilbert sold all but one shopping mall, in order to purchase Froelich Farm, where the Long Island Expressway and Route 135 would eventually connect. Construction began on Crossways Industrial Park, although the bridge was never built.[3]
Contributions to the Lunar Module Program
editWhen Grumman began working on the Lunar Module Program, for the Apollo Program, Gilbert Tilles would find the opportunity to lease eight buildings to Grumman. He would lease these buildings until, 1992, when Grumman left.[3]
Personal life
editGilbert Tilles was married to Rose Tilles and had two children, Peter Tilles and Roger Tilles.[5]
Legacy
editTilles Center for the Performing Arts
editIn 1954, Long Island University announced the creation of a college of arts and sciences in Brookville. By 1955, the school was opened and classes started.[3] In 1970, LIU added a 3,500-seat theater to the Brookville Campus, locally known as The Dome. However, on the night of January 21, 1978, The Dome collapsed due to snow accumulation. Following this, a new concert hall was built by Paul Borches and Mitchell Giurgola Architects. This new concert hall was completed in 1981. Due to the donations from the Tilles family, the new concert hall was named the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts.[6]
Gilbert Tilles Award
editThe Gilbert Tilles Award is given to a business or individual that exhibits exceptional actions while being a philanthropist. The individual or business also must demonstrate leadership by inspiring others to also become philanthropists.[7]
References
edit- ^ Albin, Stacy (February 13, 2005). "L.I. @ WORK; The Tilles Brothers Sell Off and Move On". New York Times.
- ^ a b c d Narvaez, Alfonso A. (November 16, 1990). "Gilbert Tilles, 73, Arts Center Donor And Builder on L.I.". The New York Times. Retrieved September 21, 2024 – via Times Machine.
- ^ a b c d Staff, LIBN (January 10, 2003). "1954: Tilles: from farms to retail to office | Long Island Business News". Retrieved February 28, 2024.
- ^ Smolski, Chester (1926-2008); Levitt, William (1953, Developer). "Levittown Shop-a-Rama".
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "LittleSis: Gilbert Tilles". littlesis.org. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
- ^ Arts, Tilles Center for the Performing. "Mission & History | Tilles Center for the Performing Arts". www.tillescenter.org. Retrieved February 29, 2024.
- ^ compass (January 3, 2015). "We're being honored!". The Long Island Community Foundation. Retrieved February 29, 2024.