WHEREAS, Tony Goldman was sixty-eight years young when, on September 11, 2012, God in His wisdom took him from our midst. This City has lost a true friend, a visionary and a wonderful gentleman; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Goldman grew up in New York City and started Goldman Properties in 1968. In the mid-1970s, he began renovating historic buildings in an area of Manhattan that had become an eyesore. His theory used restaurants as the street level anchor tenant of the building, with loft apartments above for renters. This depressed area of Manhattan has become Soho, a desirable place to live and visit, due to Mr. Goldman's forethought; and
WHEREAS, In 1999, Tony Goldman came to Philadelphia and saw the potential of our City. He developed a plan to revitalize 13th Street, south of Chestnut Street. Many Philadelphians thought his vision to change this red light district into a restaurant and residential corridor was improbable. However, he garnered support from City Council and began the transformation of 13th Street; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Goldman enticed restauranteurs and shop owners to 13th St. by renovating the buildings they would occupy. He preserved the historical attributes of the facades and modernized the interiors. Today, 13th Street, south of Chestnut is a bustling, vibrant midtown, due solely to Tony Goldman's vision; now, therefore
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby mourn the death and celebrate the life of Tony Goldman. To his wife Janet, his children, Joey and Jessica, and his grandchildren, we extend our most profound condolences.
RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Janet Goldman as evidence of the sincere respect of this legislative body.
End
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