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Pines Profile - Bill Katen (b.1937)
For more than sixty years, Bill Katen has helped build Fire Island Pines—literally. A master craftsman, problem solver and trusted partner to some of the community’s greatest architects, he transformed bold designs into enduring homes capable of withstanding the unique challenges of life on a barrier island. But Bill’s legacy extends far beyond construction. He has embraced the Pines as his home, supported its institutions and traditions, and helped create the places where generations have gathered, celebrated, formed friendships and put down roots. Known fittingly as “The Dean of Construction,” Bill Katen hasn’t simply built houses. He has helped build a community.
The Valerian Rybar/ Jerry Herman/ Pines Club home Est. 1983
Bigger is always better in Fire Island Pines, and so it goes with the largest house on the largest piece of privately owned property in the Pines. Created by the Yugoslavian man the New York Times called “ the worlds most expensive decorator.” Valerian Rybar together with Jean-Francois Daigre founded the Valerian Rybar & Daigre Design Corporation of New York and Paris where his taste for the opulent and extravagant was his signature.