Stephen M. Ross stands as a defining figure in modern urban development, representing a shift in how real estate shapes cities. As the founder and chairman of Related Companies, Ross has moved beyond conventional property development to embrace a vision centered on city-making rather than isolated construction.
His most notable achievement, Hudson Yards, is widely regarded as one of the largest and most ambitious mixed-use developments in the world. The project reimagined a vast area of Manhattan by integrating residential towers, office spaces, cultural venues, retail, and public infrastructure into a single urban ecosystem. Rather than responding to existing demand, Hudson Yards helped redefine demand itself.
Ross’s influence lies in his ability to think at an urban scale. He approaches development as a long-term investment in the social, economic, and architectural fabric of the city. His projects are designed to shape movement, interaction, and lifestyle — not merely to occupy land.
Within the global real estate industry, Stephen Ross is viewed as a benchmark for integrated development. His work demonstrates how visionary leadership can transform real estate into a tool for urban reinvention. Through decades of impact, Ross has secured his position as an icon whose influence extends far beyond buildings, shaping the future direction of modern cities.