Co-Chairs/Founders, Home Properties, Inc.

2006 Community Visionary Award

Seniorsfirst Foundation is pleased to honor not one, but two recipients for this year’s  “Community Visionary” Award—the founders of Home Properties, Inc., twin brothers Nelson B. and Norman Leenhouts.

In creating this award, Seniorsfirst wanted to recognize business leaders who embrace a philosophy of “servant leadership”, those who dream beyond today’s realities and successfully build toward a future that serves the needs of others and the greater good of the community. The Leenhouts are truly distinguished in this capacity.

From their early success as young entrepreneurs newly graduated from the University of Rochester, Nelson and Norman Leenhouts have displayed keen foresight and an exceptional ability to find and grow value in properties through constant physical improvements and an unwavering commitment to customer service.

Here in Rochester, the Leenhouts twins have developed many different projects, including Gananda and Blue Heron Hills, Southview Commons, and the Piano Works. Their Class-A office building, Clinton Square, has permanently changed the skyline since its development in 1990.  In 1994, they decided to expand their multi-family housing activities, and successfully completed an initial public offering to launch Home Properties.

Today, Home Properties is the sixth largest publicly traded apartment company in the United States, with over 40,000 apartment units owned. A real estate investment trust with operations in Northeast, Mid-west and Mid-Atlantic markets, the company owns, operates, acquires and rehabilitates older apartment communities. Local developers credit Home Properties projects, like the Chevy Place complex in the East End area of Rochester, with renewing interest in city living.

As Norman and Nelson gradually reduce their day-to-day roles at Home Properties, they are returning to their roots and refocusing attention on private real estate investment here in the Rochester area. Through Home Leasing Corporation and Broadstone Real Estate, Nelson and Norman each enjoy working with family members from the next two generations to continue farming real estate opportunities.

“Seniorsfirst has established itself as a leader in providing seniors with a broad array of exceptional services that promote meaningful living and working environments”, says James E. DeVoe, President and CEO of Seniorsfirst. “As we grow our organization by anticipating the changing needs of elders in our community, we want to recognize and encourage those who envision what the future needs of our community will be. We are very pleased, this year, to honor the Leenhouts.”