Martin Ginsburg to be Honored for Creating Special Places With Art

Real estate developer and architect Martin Ginsburg, Founder and Principal of Ginsburg Development Companies, LLC (GDC), has made art central to the communities he has built for more than 50 years. A key focus of his community revitalization efforts has been in creating special places through architecture, landscaping and art. For the vision, creativity and innovation he has brought to Westchester County during his distinguished career, ArtsWestchester will honor him with its Innovation Award at its annual gala on November 23.

Janet T. Langsam explains: “ArtsWestchester is thrilled to be presenting Martin with this award because he is a true visionary who has always believed that art enhances people’s living spaces and that artwork should be a prominent feature in his residential, commercial and mixed-use properties.”

Founded with his brother Samuel, GDC has designed and built over 5,600 residential units, becoming the leading developer of residential properties in the northern suburbs of New York City. Since the mid-1990s, GDC developed a company focus on waterfront development. Martin became a leading advocate for the post-industrial rediscovery of the Hudson River.

Martin’s use of public art in creating inspiring public spaces began in Haverstraw where GDC’s Harbors at Haverstraw project included a new scenic promenade park along the Hudson River, lined with monumental sculptures.  He later also used sculptures as iconic elements to enliven a new park he created in Ossining, part of the Harbor Square mixed-use development.

Often found with pencil in hand, sketching the perfect angle for a future sculpture, Martin also has a vision for White Plains that includes public art. He is currently undertaking a grand endeavor to transform the former Westchester Financial Center into City Square, a mixed-use project that will include a revitalized 50 Main Street office building, luxury rental apartments, new retail, restaurant offerings and a new one acre private park above the roof deck of a garage that will connect all the buildings. Each component of the City Square project will feature public art, including a signature sculpture that will stand in front of 50 Main Street, welcoming people to White Plains at the gateway entrance to the city’s downtown. Says Langsam: “We applaud Martin and GDC for incorporating the arts into the built environment.” For gala tickets and more info, visit: artsw.org/gala.

A version of this article first appeared in the October issue of ArtsNews, ArtsWestchester’s monthly publication. ArtsNews is distributed throughout Westchester County. A digital copy is also available at artsw.org/artsnews.