The Sharp Family : Icons of Hospitality and Philanthropy
The Sharp Family : Icons of Hospitality and Philanthropy
The cultural impact of the Sharp family resonates far beyond the walls of their beloved hotels . Evelyn Sharp , a pioneering American hotelier , philanthropist , and art collector , left an indelible mark on the worlds of hospitality and cultural enrichment . Born and raised in Manhattan , Evelyn ’ s journey to becoming a prominent figure in the hotel industry began with her marriage to real estate investor Jesse Sharp . Together , they built a formidable portfolio of properties , including the iconic Stanhope Hotel , located opposite the Metropolitan Museum of Art . After her husband ’ s passing in 1941 , Evelyn assumed leadership of the family business , expanding its reach with notable acquisitions such as the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and the Saranac Inn .
Beyond her entrepreneurial pursuits , Evelyn was a passionate artistic advocate and philanthropist . She established the Evelyn Sharp Foundation , dedicated to supporting the performing and fine arts , museums , and arts education in New York City . Her commitment to cultural enrichment extended to her role as a trustee of esteemed institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Martha Graham Dance Company . She passed away in 1997 , and her altruistic commitment to supporting invaluable medical initiatives and organizations was noted in an article in the New York Times . Highlights include time served on the board of the Lexington Center for the Deaf and a graduate fellowship endowment at California Institute of Technology .
Evelyn ’ s legacy of generosity and cultural stewardship was closely paralleled through the work of her son , Peter Jay Sharp . Following in Evelyn ’ s footsteps , Peter made significant contributions to the hospitality and real estate industries . As the owner of the iconic Carlyle Hotel in Manhattan and a developer of notable properties like 450 Park Avenue , Peter Jay Sharp played a pivotal role in shaping the city ’ s skyline .
In addition to his business achievements , Peter Jay Sharp was a dedicated patron of the arts and a staunch advocate for cultural institutions . He served as chairman of the New York City Opera and was poised to become chairman of the Juilliard School before his untimely passing in 1992 . His philanthropic endeavors included the creation of the Peter Jay Sharp Foundation , which continues to support initiatives in education , healthcare , and the arts .
Bringing your home to life
Beautiful homes . Happy clients . jackmillercontractors . com
manchester life life magazine 2023 2024 83