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Joseph C. Canizaro

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Joseph C. Canizaro
Born1937 (age 86–87)[1]
NationalityAmerican
OccupationCommercial real estate developer[2]
Known forPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Columbus Properties, L.P.,[2] founder of First Bank and Trust, New Orleans[3][4] former owner of New Orleans Breakers football franchise (1983–1986)[1]
Spouse(s)Sue Ellen Canizaro, née Mattina[1]
Children2 daughters

Joseph C. Canizaro (born 1937) is an American commercial real estate developer and philanthropist. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Canizaro developed several buildings that make up the New Orleans skyline. In 2005, Canizaro was described as the "single most influential business executive from New Orleans".[5] Canizaro has made substantial philanthropic donations to Catholic churches, colleges and universities located in New Orleans and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. He was former owner of the New Orleans Breakers football franchise.

Early years

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Joseph Canizaro is the son of Dr. Vito Canizaro, a Biloxi surgeon (died 1954), and Gilda Melone Canizaro (died 1990).[1][6] He was the oldest of eight siblings and grew up in Biloxi.[1][5] In 1961, Canizaro married Sue Ellen Mattina, and the couple moved to New Orleans in 1964.[1][7]

Career

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New Orleans businessman and developer

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Notable New Orleans high-rise developments by Canizaro have included:

Sports

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In 1983, Canizaro purchased the USFL's New Orleans Breakers football team.[1] Over 3 seasons, the team played under three names – Boston Breakers (1983), New Orleans Breakers (1984), and Portland Breakers (1985). Because of their inability to televise fall football games in competition with the NFL, USFL teams lost millions of dollars in revenue.[12][13] Consequently, Canizaro folded his franchise in 1986.[13]

Tradition community development

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In the late 1990s, Canizaro purchased from International Paper Company approximately 4,900 acres (2,000 ha) of mostly forested land located in central Harrison County, Mississippi.[14][15] On that land, Canizaro began developing Tradition – a planned community located approximately 17 miles (27 km) north of Biloxi, off Mississippi Highway 67. When fully developed, Tradition is projected to cover 4,900 acres (2,000 ha) and contain 15,000 residential units.[16] Tradition has been described as "Mississippi's first master planned community".[15]

As of 2023, Canizaro's health corridor (medical city)[17] developments in association with Tradition, have included:

  • William Carey University Tradition campus – anchor for "Tradition Medical City", opened in 2009.[18][19]
  • School of Pharmacy at William Carey University Tradition campus, opened in 2018.[17][20]
  • Bryant Center School of Nursing & Simulation Lab – Opened in 2018 as part of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.[17]
  • The National Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute – Established in 2015 in association with the Cleveland Clinic, local and regional health facilities, educational institutions, and governmental agencies.[21][14]
  • Mississippi Veterans Home – Groundbreaking for the $64 million 100-bed facility was held in 2019.[22][23]

Public service

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Philanthropy

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To manage his philanthropic endeavors, Canizaro set up a nonprofit Donum Dei Foundation in New Orleans in 1993.[8][25] Select donations in support of educational institutions and health care facilities have included:

Honors and awards

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Physicians, Dentists and Nurses | Biloxi Historical Society". biloxihistoricalsociety.org. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i "2023 Lifetime Achievement Award - Joseph Canizaro". Junior Achievement of Greater New Orleans. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c Fazio, Marie (June 14, 2022). "New Orleans businessman Joseph Canizaro donates $5 million to Loyola for Catholic studies center". NOLA.com. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "First Bank & Trust/New Orleans LA - Company Profile and News". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Rivlin, Gary (September 29, 2005). "A Mogul Who Would Rebuild New Orleans". Retrieved July 4, 2023 – via NYTimes.com.
  6. ^ a b "50 Years of Faith and Vision". December 1, 2014. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  7. ^ a b Chandler, Diana (October 12, 2010). "Driving Forces: Joseph Canizaro | New Orleans CityBusiness". Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d Muro, Maria (December 5, 2011). "Charity Heroes". Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  9. ^ "One Canal Place - The Skyscraper Center". www.skyscrapercenter.com. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  10. ^ "Texaco Center - The Skyscraper Center". www.skyscrapercenter.com. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  11. ^ "First Bank & Trust Tower - The Skyscraper Center". www.skyscrapercenter.com. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  12. ^ Perry, Mark (January 15, 2023). "The Complete History Of The USFL Of The 1980's". usflnewshub.com. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  13. ^ a b "Portland Breakers". Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  14. ^ a b c d e f McAdams, Kathy (May 24, 2019). "MGCCC Foundation recognizes Joseph C. Canizaro at annual scholarship gala". Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  15. ^ a b "Betting on Tradition | Builder Magazine". Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  16. ^ "About | Tradition". traditionms.com. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  17. ^ a b c Bruns, Adam. "Health Care: The 'Rebuilding Czar' Comes Home | Site Selection Magazine". Site Selection. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  18. ^ "Tradition Campus | William Carey University". www.wmcarey.edu. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  19. ^ "History of William Carey University | William Carey University". www.wmcarey.edu. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  20. ^ "William Carey University School of Pharmacy Opens at Tradition Campus – MDEQ". www.mdeq.ms.gov. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  21. ^ "National Diabetes and Obesity Research Institute". ndori.org. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  22. ^ Corder, Frank (April 29, 2021). "Bids being received for construction of new VA Home on Mississippi Gulf Coast". Magnolia Tribune. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  23. ^ "Opening of new Mississippi Veterans Home pushed back to 2024". wlox.com. October 13, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  24. ^ "Global Governing Trustees". Urban Land Institute. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  25. ^ Roberts, Andrea Suozzo, Ken Schwencke, Mike Tigas, Sisi Wei, Alec Glassford, Brandon (May 9, 2013). "The Donum Dei Foundation - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved July 4, 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  26. ^ "New Canizaro Center opens". September 5, 2022. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  27. ^ "Neuroscience Center of Excellence LSU/HSC School of Medicine, New Orleans" (PDF). medschool.lsuhsc.edu. Retrieved July 4, 2023.
  28. ^ "Golden Plate Awardees of the American Academy of Achievement". achievement.org. American Academy of Achievement.