February 29, 2008 -
Long Island
Discuss the most interesting or rewarding business project that you have worked on.
The one transaction that gave me the greatest satisfaction, both personally and professionally, is the acquisition and development financing of Spring Hill at Old Westbury. It was personally rewarding because my mother was born and raised on this estate of Henry C. Phipps, and I spent my childhood summers there visiting my grandparents. I was happily amazed that, when I visited the estate recently, it was as enormous as I had remembered. The transaction was professionally rewarding because the developer, Kean Development, respects the land, saves as much of the vegetation and structures as possible, and builds classically elegant homes. I enjoy seeing the subtle changes and improvements as I pass by, knowing that the finished product will preserve an iconic property of the early 20th Century, and make it relevant to the 21st Century.
Janet Knipfing is the vice president of American Community Bank, Glen Cove, N.Y.