Early Life
Axel Stawski was born in West Germany in 1950 or 1951 to parents Moniek and Zosia, who were Jewish Holocaust survivors. His father was a real estate developer, primarily building shopping centers, before the family emigrated to the United States in 1971. Stawski has a brother and three sisters. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Birmingham in England and a PhD in international law from New York University School of Law.
Rise to Success
Stawski founded Stawski Partners in 1973, a real estate investment and development firm that owns several properties in Manhattan. The company's portfolio includes six office buildings and three condos, including the notable 565 Fifth Avenue. He is known for developing office buildings with an emphasis on design and detail, often choosing corner lots and rebuilding from the ground up.
Key Business Strategies
Stawski focuses on boutique buildings with a smaller number of tenants, emphasizing quality and design. This approach has allowed him to build a significant fortune through long-term investments in Manhattan real estate. Stawski is known for being selective about his projects, benefiting from long-term appreciation of New York real estate.
Philanthropy
Axel Stawski is committed to philanthropy and community service, supporting educational institutions, healthcare initiatives, and cultural organizations in New York City and beyond. He is a board member of the American Society for Yad Vashem, an organization dedicated to preserving the memory of the Holocaust.