Skyline Developers work to preserve important New York City architecture

To many developers in New York, an old building is simply an obstacle to be torn down, but to developer Orin Wilf, it represents a personal challenge and a diamond in the rough. Wilf, through his Manhattan-based real estate development company Skyline Developers, a division of Garden Homes, has returned several Manhattan buildings to their former glory. Among these historic restorations of note are 41 Broad St., 37 Wall St., and the Rockefeller Townhouses at 13-15 West 54th St. Most recently, Wilf is set to close on the purchase of 1040 Ave. of the Americas, a classic 24-story art deco office tower at West 39th St. Built as the Millinery Building in 1927 by architects Buchman & Kahn who also designed the Hotel Sherry Netherland, Skyline Developers will begin restoration of the building's ornate lobby and brick and limestone stepped-back façade starting next year. Over the past five years, Skyline Developers has invested millions of dollars to restore these historic buildings, winning numerous awards for their efforts along the way. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation awarded Wilf's firm the 2006Historic Preservation Award for Private Sector Achievement for 41 Broad St.