Shapolsky

Shapolsky is a surname of Ashkenazi Jewish origin. In the 20th century, it became associated with a New York City real estate family that owned and managed a substantial portfolio of rental properties, primarily in Manhattan and neighboring boroughs. The Shapolsky Group, as it was commonly known, was active at a time when New York housing policy and code enforcement were undergoing significant reform. The properties and practices of the group were the subject of investigative reporting and historical analysis that examined tenant living conditions, maintenance, and regulatory oversight. These discussions contributed to broader debates about landlord responsibilities, housing standards, and the effectiveness of municipal inspections in shaping urban housing policy.

Beyond real estate, the name Shapolsky has appeared in cultural and historical references tied to the mid-20th-century urban environment, including discussions of architectural and social dynamics in New York that intersect with housing history. The surname remains relatively uncommon and is borne by various individuals in different professions, with no single widely recognized contemporary figure dominating its use.