Gilbert Tilles

Gilbert Tilles (December 31, 1916 – November 14, 1990) was an American real estate developer and philanthropist based in Long Island, New York. In the 1950s, he partnered with developer Irving Berger built many shopping centers on Long Island, including the Levittown Shopping Center. In 1961, he founded the Tilles Development Corporation, which built industrial parks in the New York metropolitan area. which opened in 1953, becoming the largest pedestrian mall east of the Mississippi at the time it was opened. By 1955, Gilbert Tilles and Irving Berger had 11 shopping centers built.

Bridge Plans In the 1960s, as the Long Island Expressway was expanding towards Woodbury, Gilbert Tilles' friend Bill Casey introduced him to state Park Commission President Robert Moses, and U.S. Presidential Advisor Nelson Rockefeller. Together, they discussed a planned bridge between Westchester and Oyster Bay. Seeing an opportunity for office buildings, Gilbert sold all but one shopping mall, in order to purchase Froelich Farm, where the Long Island Expressway and Route 135 would eventually connect. Construction began on the Nassau Crossways Industrial Park, although the bridge was never built.

Legacy

Tilles Center for the Performing Arts In 1954, Long Island University announced the creation of a college of arts and sciences in Brookville. By 1955, the school was opened and classes started.

Gilbert Tilles Award The Gilbert Tilles Award is given to a business or individual that exhibits exceptional actions while being a philanthropist. The individual or business also must demonstrate leadership by inspiring others to also become philanthropists.