The Zeckendorfs

There are New York dynasties, and then there are the Zeckendorfs. 

For the last three decades, the torch bearers for the family that brought the United Nations to New York and put Union Square on the map have been brothers Arthur and William. 

The siblings turned the family business into a prestige enterprise from its blockbuster roots, developing ultra-luxury offerings like 520 Park Avenue and 15 Central Park West. The latter, dubbed “Limestone Jesus,” is considered one of the most successful condo projects in the city to date since it launched in 2006. 

The brothers developed a signature neo-classical style that has proven to be resilient in the face of a turbulent Manhattan condo market. They’ve also developed a penchant for piecing together complicated assemblages to secure developable sites on coveted city blocks. 

After a few quiet years, the family has returned with yet another ambitious, limestone-clad project in 80 Clarkson. With a projected sellout of over $2 billion, the project served as the coming-out party for the next in line to continue the family’s history, Artie Zeckendorf, the son of Arthur. 

 — Jake Indursky