Donald Soffer, Visionary Developer of Aventura, Dies at 92

Donald Soffer, the visionary real estate developer who transformed a stretch of North Miami-Dade swamp into what is now the thriving city of Aventura, passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 92. Born in 1932 in Duquesne, Pennsylvania, Soffer attended Brandeis University on a football scholarship and began his career building shopping malls for his family’s company, Don Mark Realty. His early projects included South Hills Village, Pittsburgh’s first indoor mall, completed in 1965.

In 1967, Soffer made what would become a transformative investment: he and a group of investors purchased 785 acres of undeveloped land in South Florida for $6 million. Recognizing the potential for something extraordinary, Soffer set out to develop what would become Aventura—a name chosen because it means “adventure” in Spanish. Over the years, he oversaw the dredging, rezoning, and master planning of the area. By 1970, high-rise condo towers began to rise, and by 1977, the area boasted 4,000 residential units and a golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones.

Following a split with Arlen Realty in 1977, Soffer founded Turnberry Associates and expanded his vision. Among his signature projects was the development of Aventura Mall, one of the largest and most successful shopping centers in the country. His portfolio grew to include the Turnberry Isle Resort, JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa, and a variety of luxury condominium and hotel projects. Through his companies, Soffer helped redefine luxury living and shopping in South Florida.

Soffer’s legacy is also carried forward by his children. Jackie Soffer now leads Turnberry Associates, which retains ownership of Aventura Mall and several high-profile hotels, while Jeffrey Soffer runs Fontainebleau Development and is involved in major residential and resort developments. Donald Soffer was also a noted philanthropist, donating $15 million to Brandeis University in 2008—the largest gift in the school’s history at the time—and supporting numerous institutions including the University of Miami and local Jewish organizations. His name is immortalized in South Florida landmarks such as the Don Soffer Aventura Charter High School and the Don Soffer Clinical Research Center at the University of Miami.

Soffer’s vision and business acumen allowed him to buy land for as little as $5,000 an acre and sell it for millions, forever changing the landscape of Miami-Dade County. His work not only created a city but fostered a community that continues to thrive. On Monday, July 21, 2025, a memorial service celebrating Donald Soffer’s life and contributions will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center—a fitting tribute to the man who built so much of what surrounds it.

Donald Soffer will be remembered not only for his developments, but for the community and legacy he leaves behind. His passing marks the end of an era for South Florida, but the skyline and neighborhoods he helped create will stand as a living testament to his enduring impact.