Sixty- one years ago, Tibor Hollo came to Miami and began developing what is now the most sought after real estate in South Florida. While the real estate crash has completely crippled many of his real estate competitors, Hollo’s years of experience have taught him to always be prepared for the worst. Even though many developers are stopping work on current projects and not planning anything new, Hollo is moving on with his plans for One Bayfront Plaza. Upon completion, the 100-story building will be the tallest structure in Miami.
Hollo claims his understanding of the bilingual community in Miami has given him a unique insight that has helped his developing projects. Since there is no room for expansion east to west, the only ways to expand were north or south. He feels after location, the timing of a project is the most important. This is why, when the industry started crashing, he finished the projects he had going, and postponed some of the ones he had in the works to avoid ending up in foreclosure.
The 84- year old president of Florida East Coast Realty reads the Bible first thing in the morning and spends his free time with his family and exercising. He feels it is important to give back to the community. The Tibor and Sheila Hollo Charitable Foundation is one way they practice their philanthropic endeavors, focusing on the arts and education.
Pleased and proud of the developments he created, Hollo has no intention of stopping. Besides the project at One Bayfront Plaza, he is also working on a more residential, family-oriented development in Coral Gables. Though not of the same magnitude as his development in the downtown area, it is doing very well. All he has accomplished over the years lead to how he would sum up his own life. “Vision to reality, most satisfying achievement.”