From Main Street to Broadway – Real Estate Developer Produces ‘In the Heights’

RISMEDIA, April 11, 2008-Peter Fine, president and co-founder of Atlantic Development Group, is widely known in New York City real estate circles for developing more than 6,000 housing units citywide. Now, with the March 9 opening of the hit Broadway musical “In the Heights” at the Richard Rodgers Theater, Fine adds a new credit to his name: successful Broadway producer.

The New York Times, New York Sun and the Wall Street Journal-among other publications-have given “In the Heights” glowing reviews. Fine is one of several producers of a show described as “an exhilarating journey” into the Washington Heights neighborhood, “one of Manhattan’s most vibrant communities.”

Peter Fine has had a long-time personal relationship with the family of Lin-Manuel Miranda, who stars in the show, developed the original concept for “In the Heights,” and wrote its music and lyrics. Other producers include Kevin McCollum, Jeffrey Seller, Jill Furman, Sander Jacobs, Robyn Goodman/Walt Grossman, and Sonny Everett/Mike Skipper, with associate producers Ruth Hendel and Harold Newman.

“‘In the Heights’ is an exciting story of hope and self-discovery that inspires its audiences,” said Fine. “I am proud to have played a role in bringing this uplifting, first-rate musical to Broadway. Lin-Manuel Miranda and the entire creative team deserve enormous credit for this outstanding theatrical achievement.”

Like the characters of “In the Heights,” Peter Fine’s own story reflects strong connections to New York City community life. The son of a Brooklyn cab driver, Fine grew up in public housing in Queens and was educated in New York City’s public schools.

After earning a bachelor’s degree from New York University and pursuing a Ph.D. in sociology, Mr. Fine spent several years as a social worker. He soon developed a far-reaching reputation in the social services world for his ability to develop housing for special populations, including the elderly, the homeless, and people with AIDS.

With partner Marc Altheim, Peter Fine launched a private development company, Atlantic Development Group, in 1995. The firm — initially focused on affordable housing but now also creating market-rate housing and mixed-use developments — has created more than 40 housing complexes in the Bronx and more than a dozen in Manhattan, Brooklyn and outside the city.

Atlantic Development Group — which has delivered more than $1 billion worth of new housing within the past five years — has some 1.5 million square feet of new development in the pipeline. This includes 1,000 units of both affordable and market-rate housing. Another 1.5 million square feet is in pre-development.

In 2007, Peter Fine was honored as “Man of the Year” by the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty for his “innovative role in the housing field.” He was honored in 2006 by The Educational Alliance for his work on Project ORE, the organization’s homeless outreach project that has served thousands of New Yorkers. Mr. Fine had helped launch the initiative twenty-two years ago while employed as a social worker by The Educational Alliance.

Based in Manhattan, Atlantic Development Group LLC is a real estate development company founded by Peter Fine and Marc Altheim in 1995. The firm is focused on public/private projects, affordable and market-rate residential properties, and mixed-use development. Since its inception, Atlantic Development Group has built 55 buildings and created more than 6,000 units of housing in New York City.