On Oct. 21, Sylvan “Chic” Herman of Washington, D.C., passed away peacefully at his home with his son, Robert Herman, by his side. He was 97.
Chic, the son of Bernard and Rose Herman, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on June 19, 1927. He graduated from Forest Park High School in Baltimore. After high school, Chic enlisted in the U.S. Navy to join the war effort. Following his service, he graduated from Syracuse University.
In 1951, Chic moved to Washington, D.C., where he took a position with the Metropolitan Finance Company managing auto sales outlets. In 1960, he ventured into commercial real estate, purchasing land piece by piece. His first development project began in 1963 with the construction of an office building at 315 9th St. NW. In 1976, he founded District Building Services, Inc., consolidating tenant renovation and maintenance services for his properties.
Five years later, he established the S.C. Herman Corporation to consolidate his property management and real estate development. In 1993, these companies merged to form S.C. Herman & Associates, Inc., which continues to provide professional services across his extensive portfolio. Chic’s legacy extends beyond real estate.
Deeply affected by his son John’s struggles with mental illness, he dedicated his resources to improving mental health services for families in need. The Sylvan C Herman Foundation, which he established, supports initiatives such as ClearView Communities, helping countless individuals find hope and assistance. In honor of his son, he founded the John E. Herman Home and Treatment Facility at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and the John E. Herman Outpatient Behavioral Health Suite at Suburban Hospital in Rockville, Maryland.
His 1976 marriage to Gloria Hillman ended in divorce. Together they had two sons: John (deceased) and Robert. Robert presented Chic with a grandson, Edison Maccabi, and a granddaughter, Chandler Jaye. In addition to his son and grandchildren, he is survived by his sister Kit Levine of Hallandale, Florida, and brother Gilbert Herman of Annapolis, Maryland, as well as multiple nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his sister Dorothy Stein of Bethesda, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to ClearView Communities.
The post Sylvan Herman appeared first on Washington Jewish Week.