Visionary South Florida real estate developer and philanthropist Don Soffer, widely known as the "godfather" of Aventura, has passed away at the age of 92. Soffer was instrumental in transforming 785 acres of swampland into the stylish community of Aventura, which includes high-rise buildings, golf courses, and the Aventura Mall. His significant contributions extended to philanthropy, particularly to the University of Miami, where his family’s substantial gifts have supported groundbreaking research and athletic facilities.
A Legacy of Transformation
Don Soffer’s impact on South Florida’s landscape is undeniable. He possessed a remarkable ability to envision and develop communities, recognizing the region’s potential long before it became a sought-after destination. His most significant achievement was spearheading the development of Aventura, a project that began with a vision sketched on a cocktail napkin and culminated in one of Miami-Dade County’s most vibrant communities.
Philanthropic Contributions
Beyond his real estate endeavors, Soffer was a dedicated philanthropist. His family’s $25 million gift to the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine’s Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute (ISCI) has been pivotal in advancing stem cell research in areas such as cardiology and sports medicine. In recognition of this generosity, the Clinical Research Building at the University of Miami was renamed the Don Soffer Clinical Research Center. The Soffer family also made a $14 million lead gift for the Carol Soffer Indoor Practice Facility, enhancing the university’s football program.
Wider Impact and Recognition
Soffer’s commitment to giving back extended to numerous other organizations. He donated $15 million to his alma mater, Brandeis University, and supported institutions like Mount Sinai Medical Center and the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center. His humanitarian efforts also included helping to build an orphanage in Haiti. In 2019, Don Soffer Aventura High School was named in his honor, and he received the Simon Wiesenthal Center Humanitarian Award in 2024. Soffer’s innovative spirit, business acumen, and generosity have left an enduring legacy.
Key Takeaways:
- Don Soffer, a key figure in South Florida real estate, passed away at 92.
- He is credited with developing the City of Aventura from swampland into a thriving community.
- His family’s significant philanthropic gifts have benefited the University of Miami and other educational and charitable causes.
- Soffer’s legacy includes community development, business innovation, and humanitarian efforts.
Sources
- Visionary South Florida real estate developer and beloved University philanthropist Don Soffer passes away, University of Miami News.