Steve Witkoff, the Bronx-born real estate mogul and founder of the Witkoff Group, stands as a towering figure in the world of commercial and luxury property development. As of 2025, Witkoff commands a net worth of approximately $150 million, a testament to his remarkable ability to spot and transform undervalued assets into some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks. At 66 years old, Witkoff continues to redefine urban landscapes while leaving a lasting legacy rooted in family, philanthropy, and bold real estate vision.
Humble Beginnings: From Selling Ice Cream to Corporate Law
Born on March 15, 1957, in the Bronx, New York, Steve Witkoff’s early years were shaped by the modest means of his working-class family. His father was a manufacturer of ladies’ coats, instilling in Steve a disciplined work ethic from a young age. Witkoff’s first job was selling ice cream as a teenager, but it was just the beginning of a relentless pursuit of success.
After completing his undergraduate studies at Hofstra University, Witkoff earned his Juris Doctor and quickly made his mark as a real estate attorney at Dreyer & Traub. During this time, he represented some of New York City’s most powerful developers, including Donald Trump. His role as a legal advisor provided him with invaluable insights into the inner workings of real estate deals, acquisitions, and negotiations, eventually inspiring him to become a developer himself.
Founding Stellar Management and The Witkoff Group
In 1985, Witkoff co-founded Stellar Management with Laurence Gluck, focusing on acquiring and revitalizing underutilized multifamily buildings across New York City. The partners excelled in repositioning distressed assets, and by the mid-1990s, Stellar Management had grown into a significant player in the city’s competitive real estate scene.
By 1997, Witkoff was ready to chart his own path. He founded The Witkoff Group, setting his sights on acquiring, redeveloping, and financing marquee properties in key U.S. and international markets. This move marked the start of Witkoff’s ascent into the ranks of globally recognized developers.
Major Deals That Redefined Skylines
Few developers have left a mark as bold as Steve Witkoff’s. From historic buildings in New York to transformative projects in Miami and Las Vegas, his portfolio reflects both vision and precision.
The Woolworth Building
One of Witkoff’s most iconic acquisitions was the Woolworth Building, purchased in 1998 for $137.5 million. Known as the “Cathedral of Commerce,” the property became a crown jewel in Witkoff’s growing empire and exemplified his knack for breathing new life into historic landmarks.
Miami Worldcenter Marriott Marquis
Witkoff’s foresight extended to Miami, where he acquired a $94 million site within the sprawling Miami Worldcenter—one of the largest urban developments in the U.S. This project reaffirmed his ability to spot value in high-growth markets and capitalize on urban renewal trends.
Las Vegas Resort Redevelopment
Among Witkoff’s most ambitious undertakings is the $1.4 billion redevelopment of a major Las Vegas resort. The project, which aims to transform a distressed hotel asset into a world-class destination, highlights his ability to blend creativity with financial discipline in large-scale hospitality developments.
Luxury Hospitality & Residential Assets
Witkoff’s firm has also expanded into the luxury lifestyle sector, with assets including the Times Square EDITION, the West Hollywood EDITION Hotel & Residences, and the Park Lane Hotel overlooking Central Park. These properties represent his dual expertise in commercial real estate and luxury hospitality.
Family, Philanthropy, and Leadership
Beyond the boardroom, Steve Witkoff is deeply devoted to his family. He married Lauren Rappoport in 1987, and the couple has three sons. The tragic passing of their eldest son in 2011 profoundly impacted the family and shaped much of Witkoff’s philanthropic focus, particularly on mental health initiatives.
His son, Zach Witkoff, now plays an active leadership role at The Witkoff Group, helping to guide the family business into the next generation. The Witkoffs live on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, maintaining close ties to both the company and their charitable endeavors.
In addition to running his firm, Witkoff serves as Chairman of the University of Miami Business School Real Estate Advisory Board. A sought-after speaker at industry conferences, he is dedicated to mentoring young professionals and advancing conversations about urban renewal and real estate investment strategy.
Steve Witkoff’s Net Worth in 2025
As of 2025, Steve Witkoff’s net worth is estimated at $150 million. While this figure reflects his personal equity in various projects, his larger business holdings and ongoing developments continue to generate significant value. From New York City to Las Vegas, Witkoff’s fingerprints are on some of the most ambitious real estate projects of the past few decades.
His financial portfolio, rooted in luxury hotels, high-rise residential towers, and mixed-use properties, positions him for continued success as markets evolve. Analysts point to his strategic investments in Miami and Las Vegas as signals of Witkoff’s ongoing adaptability in identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends.
A Lasting Legacy in Real Estate
Steve Witkoff’s journey is a story of grit, vision, and lasting impact. From humble beginnings in the Bronx to leading multi-billion-dollar developments across the U.S., Witkoff has transformed the urban fabric of major cities while remaining grounded in his values of family, hard work, and philanthropy.
As he continues to build and reshape skylines, Witkoff also champions causes close to his heart, creating a legacy that is as much about people as it is about properties. In an industry defined by risk and competition, Steve Witkoff stands out as a developer whose influence extends far beyond bricks and mortar—leaving an indelible mark on the global real estate landscape.
