The Robert S. Swain Jr. Distinguished Service Award is an annual recognition of an outstanding contribution made to the real estate industry either by lifetime example or specific achievement. This year’s Gala was a celebration of coming together and supporting each other and our community through a challenging time. We recognize that so many have done so much.
The Bulfinch Companies are being recognized for their extraordinary efforts during the pandemic for business continuity and their commitment to their staff. Bulfinch’s holistic approach to adding value for their team during the pandemic enhanced employee experience and created a unique environment for collaboration, development and productivity. Their approach focused on technology, communications, virtual events, health & wellness, community support and diversity, equity + inclusion. Bulfinch successfully continued interrupted business operations, implemented new initiatives and continued to seek out strategic opportunities.
With close to $3 billion in assets, Bulfinch has built a reputation for identifying opportunities and creating valuable and coveted properties across many industries. Bulfinch is a third-generation commercial real estate firm specializing in the acquisition, development, repositioning and management of properties. Their disciplined approach, entrepreneurial mindset, depth of experience and focus on meeting the needs of their tenants and partners have produced an enviable track record and roster of tenants and investors.
WinnCompanies
WinnCompanies has demonstrated thoughtful leadership around issues of diversity throughout it 50-year history – a legacy that proved critical to the quality of life for tens of thousands of Massachusetts Citizens during the hardships of 2020.
Throughout the pandemic, WinnCompanies offered much help to their residents through several initiatives. WinnCompanies unveiled a Housing Stability program to support households facing eviction and long term debt. WinnResidential staff coordinated applications worth 5.4 million in direct rental assistance for struggling Massachusetts Households. These efforts have secured more than 3.4 million in rental relief for more than 2,000 households in Boston alone.
WinnCompanies is the sixth-largest manager of multifamily housing in the U.S. and the largest manager of affordable housing in Massachusetts and the nation. More than 60 percent of employees are people of color and nearly half are women. It manages approximately 8,000 affordable and mixed-income apartments in Boston, including assets owned by leading CDC’s and non-profits providing housing and services for more than 16,500 residents statewide. WinnCompanies operates a portfolio of 148 properties housing more than 35,000 people.