**Donald M. Soffer, Visionary Developer and Founder of Aventura, Dies at 92**
Donald M. Soffer, the visionary developer who transformed swampland into the thriving town of Aventura, Florida, has passed away at the age of 92 at his home in Aventura.
Soffer made a name for himself early in his career through his influential developments in Pittsburgh. His company, Turnberry Properties, was instrumental in shaping the city’s postwar landscape. Notable projects include South Hills Village, One Oxford Centre, and the Monroeville Mall—a 1.1 million-square-foot retail center that became both a commercial success and cultural icon.
In the late 1960s, Soffer purchased 785 acres of undeveloped land north of Miami. What was once swampland was meticulously transformed into Aventura, a master-planned community now known for its luxury living and vibrant amenities. Today, Aventura boasts nearly 25,000 residences, high-rise condominiums, private clubs, marinas, tennis courts, and a host of entertainment venues.
In 1983, Soffer marked another milestone by securing the first Macy’s department store outside of New York, with its opening at the now-renowned Aventura Mall—one of the largest shopping centers in the country.
Under Soffer’s leadership, Turnberry Properties built a $10 billion real estate portfolio that includes $2 billion in hospitality investments, 3.7 million square feet of retail space, and 1,705 multifamily residential units.
Donald Soffer leaves behind a legacy of innovation, transformation, and lasting impact on both South Florida and beyond.
