When it comes to one’s legacy, few people can physically point to what they have left behind. However, for real estate developer Philip Pilevsky, this is not the case. As one of the country’s most successful real estate moguls and pioneer of the boutique hotel concept, he has created, or rather preserved, an image for himself as a protector of unique urban real estate and customer service. As CEO and owner of the Philips International Holdings Corporation, Philip Pilevsky has built a career for himself in the real estate industry that includes some of the nation’s most iconic hotels and property development projects. Along with his two sons, Michael and Seth Pilevsky, Philip Pilevsky has grown Philips International into one of the largest privately owned real estate development and property management organizations in New York City and beyond.
In a recent article on Philips International, “History, Politics, and Architecture”, Philip Pilevsky was described as “one of the most successful real estate developers of the modern age”, and this comes as no surprise to those in the industry. After graduating from New York’s Columbia University, Philip Pilevsky began his real estate career in Florida, where he started buying and quickly reselling properties that had less stringent zoning requirements. He spent years in Florida buying properties, arranging financing, and procuring tenants before returning to New York in 1974 in order to focus on retail properties, as well as many other commercial and residential investments.
In the 1980’s, Philip Pilevsky had had his eye on a number of iconic New York buildings and was developing a concept for using them. He wanted to continue to build his reputation in the real estate industry, but at the same he knew that he wanted to leave behind a legacy of honoring the city that he loved. From this motivation, Philip Pilevsky developed the concept of the boutique hotel. In contrast to chain hotels which succeed on providing customers with cookie-cutter experiences regardless of location, boutique hotels focus on two key aspects: atmosphere and customer service.
For Philips International, excellence in hotel development comes from providing one of a kind experiences and atmospheres for their guests. Boutique hotels have relatively fewer rooms and this allows for more intimate customer service. They are also designed to honor and uphold the building’s original atmosphere, preserving many of the interior and exterior design elements. This combination of customer service and atmosphere in boutique hotels has made Philip Pilevsky one of the most respected real estate developers in the country.
In a recent article on Philips International, “History, Politics, and Architecture”, Philip Pilevsky was described as “one of the most successful real estate developers of the modern age”, and this comes as no surprise to those in the industry. After graduating from New York’s Columbia University, Philip Pilevsky began his real estate career in Florida, where he started buying and quickly reselling properties that had less stringent zoning requirements. He spent years in Florida buying properties, arranging financing, and procuring tenants before returning to New York in 1974 in order to focus on retail properties, as well as many other commercial and residential investments.
In the 1980’s, Philip Pilevsky had had his eye on a number of iconic New York buildings and was developing a concept for using them. He wanted to continue to build his reputation in the real estate industry, but at the same he knew that he wanted to leave behind a legacy of honoring the city that he loved. From this motivation, Philip Pilevsky developed the concept of the boutique hotel. In contrast to chain hotels which succeed on providing customers with cookie-cutter experiences regardless of location, boutique hotels focus on two key aspects: atmosphere and customer service.
For Philips International, excellence in hotel development comes from providing one of a kind experiences and atmospheres for their guests. Boutique hotels have relatively fewer rooms and this allows for more intimate customer service. They are also designed to honor and uphold the building’s original atmosphere, preserving many of the interior and exterior design elements. This combination of customer service and atmosphere in boutique hotels has made Philip Pilevsky one of the most respected real estate developers in the country.
