Don Soffer, South Florida Real Estate Developer and “Godfather” of Aventura, Dies at 92

By: Fern Sidman

Donald M. Soffer, the pioneering real estate developer who transformed a vast tract of South Florida swampland into the thriving community of Aventura, has died at the age of 92. CBS News Miami confirmed the passing of the man widely recognized as the city’s “godfather,” a visionary whose business acumen and philanthropic spirit reshaped the landscape of Miami-Dade County.

The Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center (ATJC), a synagogue founded by Soffer, announced his death on social media Sunday. In a message shared with CBS News Miami, the center expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support received by the Soffer family during this time of mourning.

In a heartfelt statement to CBS News Miami, the City of Aventura honored Soffer as a “visionary developer and philanthropist whose leadership and foresight transformed South Florida swamplands into the thriving, vibrant community we proudly call home.” The city’s tribute underscored Soffer’s unparalleled role in shaping Aventura’s identity, from its iconic mall and residential towers to its golf courses and civic institutions.

“Mr. Soffer’s legacy is etched into the very foundation of Aventura,” the statement emphasized. “His development of what would become the city’s heart — from Aventura Mall to residential communities and the Turnberry golf course and brand — laid the groundwork for Aventura’s incorporation in 1995. Without his vision, the City of Aventura would not exist as we know it today.”

CBS News Miami highlighted the city’s recognition of Soffer as more than a developer. Though he never held a formal government title, Aventura described him as a “builder of community,” lauding his commitment to excellence, innovation, and public-private collaboration. These efforts, the city said, helped transform Aventura into a “model city that continues to grow and flourish,” noting with pride that its high school bears his name — a testament to his enduring influence.

“Though Don Soffer never held a formal title in Aventura’s government, he was, in every sense, the godfather of the city,” the statement concluded. The city extended its deepest condolences to the Soffer family, assuring that his contributions “will continue to shape our community for generations to come. His name will forever be synonymous with [the City of Aventura] he helped bring to life. May his memory be a blessing.”

Born on September 20, 1932, in Duquesne, Pennsylvania — a steel town located approximately 12 miles from Pittsburgh — Don Soffer displayed an early aptitude for both academics and athletics. In 1955, he graduated from Brandeis University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics on a football scholarship.

CBS News Miami chronicled Soffer’s early career, noting that after graduation, he returned to Pittsburgh to enter the real estate business alongside his father, Harry Soffer. Together, the father-son team ventured into the construction and development of suburban shopping centers, laying the groundwork for Don Soffer’s lifelong career in real estate.

Soffer’s defining professional chapter began in 1967 when he co-led a landmark acquisition of 785 acres of undeveloped land in Miami-Dade County. The parcel — predominantly swampland — would become the foundation of an unprecedented development project that would eventually give rise to the City of Aventura.

Over the decades, he and his business partners oversaw the construction of high-rise condominiums, luxury golf resorts, community libraries, fire stations, and, most famously, the Aventura Mall — now ranked among the largest shopping centers in the United States.

Soffer is also credited with bestowing the city with its name. According to a 2012 article in the Biscayne Times, Soffer quipped to his father that building the community would be an “adventure.” Hence, “Aventura” — the Spanish word for adventure — was born, a name now synonymous with luxury living and retail in South Florida.

In 1977, a decade after the Aventura project began, Soffer founded Turnberry Associates, a company that would further cement his influence on South Florida’s real estate landscape. With Turnberry, Soffer expanded his development ventures, spearheading high-profile projects including the Turnberry Isle Resort and the acquisition and restoration of the historic Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel.

As the CBS News Miami report detailed, leadership of Turnberry Associates eventually transitioned to Soffer’s children. His daughter, Jackie Soffer, now helms the firm after previously sharing leadership with her brother Jeffrey Soffer until they parted ways professionally in 2019. Jeffrey Soffer now leads Fontainebleau Development, overseeing assets such as the Fontainebleau Miami Beach and the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.

Despite stepping back from daily operations, Don Soffer remained a towering figure within both the business and philanthropic communities, his influence permeating far beyond real estate.

The report at CBS News Miami highlighted Soffer’s extensive philanthropic endeavors, particularly in the fields of education and the arts. His most notable gift — a $15 million donation to his alma mater, Brandeis University — emphasized his lifelong dedication to supporting academic institutions.

Soffer’s community commitment extended to Aventura itself. He played a central role in the establishment of the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, serving as a spiritual and communal hub for the region’s Jewish community. The center’s About Us page, cited by CBS News Miami, acknowledged Soffer’s vision as instrumental in building both the facility and the surrounding neighborhood infrastructure.

His contributions reached well beyond bricks and mortar. As former Aventura mayor Jeff Perlow stated in a reflection quoted by CBS News Miami, “Without him, there would not be a City of Aventura.”

The funeral service for Don Soffer was held Monday at the Harry & Ida Soffer Sanctuary of the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center, a venue whose name bears testament to his family’s indelible legacy. Friends, family members, business associates, and community leaders gathered to pay their respects to the man whose vision gave life to a city and whose generosity enriched countless lives.

CBS News Miami’s coverage of the memorial highlighted the profound sense of loss felt across the community, juxtaposed with widespread recognition of Soffer’s lasting impact.

Don Soffer’s story is not merely that of a successful developer but of a transformative figure whose foresight and determination created a community from the ground up. The swamplands of 1960s Miami-Dade County have since become a dynamic urban center — a living legacy to a man who dared to dream big.

While his passing marks the end of an era, the imprint of Soffer’s work remains a permanent fixture in South Florida. The city he nurtured stands as a testament to his belief in the power of vision, hard work, and community spirit.

As Aventura’s official statement poignantly expressed to CBS News Miami, “His name will forever be synonymous with the City of Aventura he helped bring to life. May his memory be a blessing.”