Son of Douglaston Developer Honored at Citi Field

A 26-year-old project manager at a Douglaston development company was honored as one of the borough’s rising stars this week at Citi Field.

Benjamin Levine, son of Douglaston Development chairmen Jeffrey Levine, was recognized Thursday during The Queens Courier’s Rising Stars awards ceremony.

The event honored 40 borough residents, including former Mets slugger Darryl Strawberry, who have made commitments toward creating a better Queens.

Benjamin Levine came on board at the development company as assistant vice president and, in his third year at the firm, is now project manager.

"It's very cool to follow in his footsteps, and be considered a rising star in Queens," Levine said of his father. "When I found out, I made sure my family would all be there, and they cleared their calendars."

Douglaston Development, which was founded by Jeffrey Levine in 1979, specializes in creating residential and mixed projects throughout the five boroughs.

His son went to work for Credit Suisse after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. As a child, he spent countless days at construction sites and, throughout college, interned at several real estate firms.

After a few years working in Manhattan, Benjamin decided to take a new direction.   

"Growing up in my family as a kid, I would always be at construction sites, " said Benjamin. "As the economy shifted, I thought it would be a good time to come and work with my dad."

Jeffrey Levine said he was pleased his son came to work for the company he founded.

"I feel very fortunate to have a son who is honest, capable and decent, and I'm thrilled that's he's being recognized," Jeffrey Levine said. "I'm really fortunate that my son has a real affinity for the building and development business. Obviously, had he decided to pursue a different career path, I would have supported him to the best of my ability. But I'm thrilled now that he is in my business and that he enjoys it."