The Real Deal New York

From the August issue: In both real estate and art circles Aby Rosen’s reputation precedes
him. The 48-year-old, silver-haired Rosen is a legendary art collector
and boldfaced name who has successfully parlayed his flashy style and
social status into a hefty real estate portfolio anchored by the iconic
Lever House and Seagram Building — both on Park Avenue.
Until recently, Rosen has methodically placed smart bets, buying
low and then upgrading his buildings and turning them into some of the
most exclusive properties in New York.
Over the years, Rosen’s vast art collection has figured prominently
in his commercial office buildings — at Lever House he’s displayed
works by provocative British artist Damien Hirst — and in his emergence
as a hotel and residential developer. But now the realities of the economy appear to have dragged even the larger-than-life Rosen back to reality.