Family and friends are mourning the passing of a prominent Manhattan developer who revitalized a major film studio in Queens. George Kaufman managed one of New York’s largest commercial real estate companies and chaired the Astoria studio that houses "Sesame Street." 

Kaufman acquired the historic studio, dating back to 1920, and brought it back to life. The studio is located in a growing vibrant neighborhood that has been proclaimed the Kaufman Arts District, the first Arts District in Queens.

Those who knew Kaufman called him a "visionary" who saw "the promise of film and television production work in New York long before it became an integral part of the City’s economy."

Kaufman is also a veteran of the Korean War.

He died Tuesday at the age of 89. Funeral services will take place on Monday morning at 11:30 at Temple Emanu-El in Manhattan.