Realtor, developer Lane N. Meltzer dead at 91

LANE N. MELTZER, who rose to become one of the titans in the local real estate industry and a major developer of office buildings, shopping centers and malls died Saturday, April 6, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  He was 91.

Meltzer learned the real estate industry from the bottom up, starting as a gofer and assistant to his Uncle Harry Latter. Eventually, he learned the business operations so well that he became the chairman of the board of Latter and Blum Realtors and its  development company, the Westminster Corporation. Later, he started Meltzer Associates. Over the course of decades for himself and other strategic partners, he initiated the construction of numerous office buildings, shopping centers, industrial, and residential properties. Among the largest of his projects were the 1010 Common Building and the Pan American Life Building, both in New Orleans, and the 111 Capitol Building in Jackson, MS.

Born in New York City, Meltzer moved to New Orleans as a boy and graduated from Isidore Newman High School. Although he enrolled in college, the start of World War II saw Meltzer demonstrate his leadership qualities when he joined the Army Air Corps as a way to contribute to the war effort and he began to experience a lifelong love of flying.

As a glider pilot during the war, he flew forces into enemy territory in the first invasion over the Rhine, landing his platoon safely in a wheat field while under fire. Meltzer proudly recounted his exploits as a member of The Quiet Birdmen, a group of former glider pilots that was formed after the war. His passion for flying lasted well into his seventies. At one point Metzler achieved the speed record for flying a twin engine aircraft from New Orleans to Atlanta.

Meltzer also had a penchant for traveling and did so well into his eighties. Oftentimes, his travel with family members would combine his other hobbies of golfing and snow skiing. An extremely experienced traveler, Meltzer toured  Canada, China, Europe and local sites, and photographed all he witnessed with his Minox or Leica camea. As a skier, he kept up well into his seventies.

Meltzer was a  lifelong member of Temple Sinai and a founding member of Royale Airlines and the Downtown Development District. He served on the board of directors of the Upper and Lower Pontalba Commission and was a very generous local philanthropist. Among the many charities he contributed to were the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Graveside services officiated by Temple Sinai Rabbi Ed Paul Cohn were held on Wednesday morning, April 10 at Metairie Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation. Lakelawn Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.