Philanthropy is a way of life for this South Florida builder
Brad Meltzer worked in construction during his summer breaks while studying architecture at Tulane University. It was a suggestion of his father, an architect, who thought Meltzer “would benefit from interfacing what I was learning in school to actual work.”
It turned out to be a wise decision, one that helped shape a lifelong career as a builder. Meltzer joined the powerhouse firm Plaza Construction in 1989, spearheading its expansion into Florida. In January, he was named president of Plaza Construction Group Florida.
His portfolio of work ranges from commercial retail and mixed-use properties to luxury residences and hotels, including the W South Beach, Credit Suisse Private Banking, TownCenter One at Dadeland and the new One Thousand Museum Residences.
How Brad Meltzer is Helping to Change Miami’s Landscape
Plaza Construction is currently in the final stages of One Thousand Museum, a 62-story, 83-residence mixed-use site designed by Zaha Hadid, the Pritzker Prize-winning architect who passed away in 2016. Her immense vision demanded a collaborative effort from fellow architects, engineers, designers and contractors.
“We worked on pre-construction for a solid year before breaking ground,” Meltzer said.
Glass-fiber reinforced concrete panels made in Dubai were then brought to Miami to construct the building’s sensuous, fluid, undulating exoskeleton. The soaring structure will change Miami’s urban landscape.
“I’m very excited for our clients and for us but especially for Miami to have such a great design,” he said.
In Service of Children
Meltzer and his wife, Suzanne, a Coconut Grove native, together raised three sons: Noah, Zach and Ryan. Giving back to the community is essential, Meltzer said. He serves on the board of the Associated General Contractors of America, the Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Tulane School of Architecture, the Miami Beach JCC and Voices for Children Foundation.
The latter has a special place in his heart. “I wanted to find a local charity to contribute,” he said. Friends led him to Voices for Children, an organization committed to protecting abused and neglected kids.
Voices for Children has been the recipient of Plaza Construction’s annual Golf Invitational fundraiser since 2015; the latest event brought in about $300,000. He and Suzanne chair the organization’s gala, and Plaza Construction’s staff is involved as well.
Despite a busy schedule, Meltzer said he tries “to keep Saturday mornings free of telephone and business talks.” He also sets aside time to coach 11-year-old Ryan’s basketball team. And while his phone and reading glasses are necessary tools in his life, Meltzer said, “What I need to have with me at all times is my family.”
More: Irish upbringing instilled a sense of hospitality in Mary Rogers of Fontainebleau Miami Beach.
This story was originally published October 29, 2018 at 9:10 PM.