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Who

David Picket is the president of the construction company/development group the Gotham Organization.

Backstory

The Picket real estate family dates back to 1913 when David's great-grandfather, Nathan Picket, founded the Gotham Organization. Nathan focused on developing properties, but after the Depression, the company—then in the hands of Nathan Picket's son, David—shifted its focus to construction work. When David's son, Joel, took over, he continued to handle contracting work, but he also brought the company back to development work, erecting a collection of primarily institutional buildings (such as hospitals and schools) during the '70s, '80s, and '90s. In 1999, Joel's son, David, took the reins and has since expanded the company's activities to include residential projects. These days, Joel remains chairman and oversees contracting gigs, while David handles the more publicity-generating residential work.

Of note

The best known condo development Picket has completed in recent years is the Atlas, which overlooks Bryant Park and was featured on the third season of Project Runway. (It's where the cast lived; naturally, Picket donated the pads to Bravo for the free PR.) In 2004, Gotham followed up with the 19-story Costas Kondylis-architected Nicole on West 55th Street. Other buildings in the company portfolio include the New Gotham on West 43rd and the Foundry on West 54th Street. On the commercial front, the firm's biggest development in recent years has been Harlem USA, a $66 million retail development on 125th Street that houses chains like Old Navy and Modell's. Gotham is now at work on the Langston, a 180-unit mixed-use building on Bradhurst Avenue in Harlem.

Pet cause

Picket is the chairman of the board of Ten O'Clock Classics, a non-profit organization that sends young classical musicians to perform at schools throughout the country.

Personal

Picket and his wife, Rona, have a son named Matthew. They live in Harrison, New York.