Robert Congel built one of the most impressive property portfolios in Central New York, from his family residence in Fayetteville to the sprawling 3,900-acre Savannah Dhu estate. The late real estate developer left behind properties worth millions and a legacy as the founder of one of America’s largest shopping mall empires.
Quick Facts About Robert Congel
| Full Name | Robert Joseph Congel |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1935 |
| Date of Death | February 3, 2021 |
| Age at Death | 85 years |
| Profession | Real Estate Developer |
| Net Worth | $700 million (2003 estimate) |
| Company | Pyramid Management Group |
| Famous For | Destiny USA, Savannah Dhu Estate |
| Spouse | Suzanne Flanagan Congel |
| Children | 5 (Beth, Scott, Mark, Sheila, Stephen) |
| Residence | Manlius, New York |
Who Was Robert Congel?
Robert Congel was an American real estate developer who founded Pyramid Management Group, the largest privately held shopping mall developer in the Northeast. Born in Syracuse on July 6, 1935, Congel came from a family already in real estate and construction. He attended Christian Brothers Academy and later studied math at Fordham University, though he left in 1958 without completing his degree.
Starting with just a $175 loan from his grandfather, Congel built a real estate empire worth hundreds of millions. He became best known for developing Destiny USA in Syracuse — one of the largest shopping malls in America. His properties included multiple residences across Central New York, including a Fayetteville home and the massive Savannah Dhu estate in Wayne County.
Robert Congel’s Career Journey
Congel started R.J. Congel Construction Company in 1958 after leaving Fordham University. His company focused on apartments and small office buildings. In 1968, he co-founded Pyramid Companies with Michael J. Falcone and Joseph T. Scuderi.
The company’s first major contract was a $13,000 sewer pipe project. Congel then learned the shopping center business through a two-day seminar with Simon Property Group developers in Indianapolis. By 1976, Pyramid had completed 22 shopping centers and several office buildings.
The partners split in 1978. Congel focused on malls while his partners pursued office development. Over the next decade, he built a dozen malls across New York and Massachusetts. His most famous project was Carousel Center, which opened in 1990 on the shores of Onondaga Lake in Syracuse. The mall later expanded to become Destiny USA.
Congel became known for holding early morning strategy meetings at 6:00 or 6:30 a.m. He kept tight control of projects by using his own capital rather than relying on outside investors. By the late 2010s, his son Stephen took over as CEO while Robert remained involved until his death.
Robert Congel’s Net Worth
Congel’s net worth grew from $200 million in 1988 to $700 million by 2003, according to Forbes. This made him the 364th wealthiest person in the United States at that time. His wealth came from Pyramid Management Group’s portfolio of shopping malls across the Northeast.
The company attempted to sell for $4 billion in 1998, though the deal fell through. Reports suggest another offer reached $6 billion in 2002. Pyramid currently owns properties worth billions, including Destiny USA, Crossgates Mall, Walden Galleria, and other major shopping centers.
Robert Congel’s Fayetteville House
Congel lived in Manlius, New York, near the village of Fayetteville. His primary residence was a 6,651-square-foot home with seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The single-family home was located in the Fayetteville-Manlius school district, known for its scenic beauty and suburban charm.
The house provided space for his family of five children and 21 grandchildren. Congel also owned property on Skaneateles Lake, where he spent summers with family. He enjoyed skiing in winter and maintained strong ties to the Syracuse area throughout his life.
Savannah Dhu: The $65 Million Estate
Congel’s most famous property was Savannah Dhu, a 3,900-acre retreat in the Finger Lakes Region. He began acquiring parcels in 1984, eventually assembling more than 80 separate lots to create the property. The estate sits between Syracuse and Rochester in Wayne County, near the villages of Savannah and Clyde.Savannah Dhu was designed as a conference center, hunting preserve, and family retreat. The property includes multiple lodges, residential homes, barns, greenhouses, and wildlife habitats. Congel envisioned it as a space for international guests to meet and develop ideas.
The estate was first listed for sale in November 2019 for $65 million through Sotheby’s International Realty.
The Savannah Dhu Estate Features
The main residence, Pines Lodge, spans 25,000 square feet across four stories. Built from 200-year-old spruce logs from Colorado, it required 54 tractor-trailers to transport the materials. The lodge has 10 bedrooms and 10 full bathrooms plus four half-baths. A 70-foot-high fireplace made from boulders weighing up to 25 tons each anchors the exterior.
The Conference Barn is a Pennsylvania-Dutch style building with 11 ensuite bedrooms. It can accommodate up to 300 guests for formal dinners and includes a commercial kitchen, smoke house, and meat processing facility. An underground parking garage holds nearly 60 vehicles.Twenty “Intellectual Exchange Houses” sit on stilts throughout the property. These single-room structures were designed for contemplation and wildlife viewing. The estate also includes Bear Camp (accommodating 40 people), Hadden House (an 1800s farmhouse), and a 150-acre man-made lake.
Wildlife on the property includes elk, fallow deer, and Père David’s deer, along with native species. The lakes and streams contain bass, walleye, pike, and musky.
Price History of Savannah Dhu
Savannah Dhu’s asking price has dropped significantly since it first hit the market:
- November 2019: Listed at $65 million
- October 2021: Price reduced to $49 million
- February 2025: Price dropped to $39 million (reported in news)
- Current listing: Now listed at $29 million
The property has been on the market for over five years. The Congel family continues to seek a buyer who might use it as a corporate retreat, educational center, or private estate. The current listing represents a 55% discount from the original asking price.
Robert Congel’s Family
Congel married Suzanne Flanagan in 1961. They had five children: Beth Ulrich, Scott Congel, Mark Congel, Sheila Goetzmann, and Stephen Congel. The couple remained married for nearly 60 years until his death.Stephen Congel succeeded his father as CEO of Pyramid Management Group in 2008. The family continues to own and operate the company, making them the largest privately held shopping center developer in the Northeast.
Congel’s grandchildren include Rebecca C. Congel and Jaedyn K. Congel, both Syracuse University graduates. The family has maintained strong ties to Syracuse University, where Robert served as a trustee from 1984 until his death.
Robert Congel’s Death and Legacy
Robert Congel died peacefully at his home in Manlius on February 3, 2021, at age 85. His wife and five children were at his side. He had been in failing health in his final years but remained involved with Pyramid Management Group.His son Stephen released a statement calling him “a force of nature” and “a visionary.” Stephen noted that his father took more pride in the people he employed than the buildings he constructed.
Congel served as a Syracuse University trustee for 37 years. He was also a trustee of Christian Brothers Academy and Le Moyne College. His civic involvement included the Syracuse Housing Authority, Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce, and multiple other organizations.
The Wall Street Journal recognized him as an entrepreneur who “pursued towering ambitions.” His transformation of Syracuse’s Oil City area into Destiny USA stands as his most visible achievement. The estate he left behind includes properties worth tens of millions and a business empire that continues under family control.
FAQs
Did Robert Congel receive any major awards for his work in real estate?
Yes, Congel received several regional business leadership awards recognizing his impact on economic development in Central New York.
What inspired Robert Congel to create Destiny USA as an experiential mall?
He believed retail needed immersive entertainment and dining experiences to stay competitive in changing market conditions.
Did Congel invest in projects outside New York?
Yes, Pyramid Management Group explored and developed retail properties in states like Massachusetts and Virginia.
Was Savannah Dhu ever used for public events or conferences?
Occasionally, the estate hosted private corporate retreats, conservation events, and international business gatherings.
Did Robert Congel support charitable causes in Syracuse?
Yes, he funded educational programs, local charities, and community initiatives throughout Central New York.
