Business Details
29 Years
experience
Expert Urban Development Solutions for Sustainable Communities
Boulevard Group is a nationally recognized leader in urban development, specializing in planning and managing large-scale sustainable neighborhood revitalization projects. Since 1997, we have collaborated with public and private stakeholders to create vibrant, livable communities across 20 states and 36 cities. Our approach emphasizes continuity from planning through design and construction, ensuring projects balance community needs while delivering on time and within budget. With over $2 billion in development financing secured and 50+ completed projects, we focus on innovative solutions for complex urban challenges. Our team's expertise in federal housing programs, mixed-income housing, and historic preservation has earned us prestigious awards, including the Congress for New Urbanism Charter Award.We prioritize civic responsibility, harmonizing developments with existing communities to enhance cultural heritage and built environments. Our leadership, including AICP-certified professionals, brings decades of experience in transforming neighborhoods like Cabrini Green into thriving mixed-income communities. We are committed to excellence, providing actionable insights that empower clients to make informed decisions. Our track record includes pioneering models for urban housing revitalization recognized nationwide. At Boulevard Group, we build neighborhoods and lasting relationships through transparent collaboration and community-focused design.
Services
Urban Development
Neighborhood Revitalization
Mixed-Income Housing
Commercial Development
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of specialized urban development expertise
- Successfully managed $2 billion in development financing
- 50+ completed mixed-use revitalization projects nationwide
- Recipient of Congress for New Urbanism Charter Award
- Pioneered nationally recognized affordable housing models
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
Services
Urban Development
We specialize in comprehensive urban development projects that transform communities through sustainable planning and mixed-use developments. Our approach integrates residential, commercial, and public spaces to create balanced neighborhoods. With expertise in federal housing programs, we deliver solutions that address both economic and social urban challenges.
Neighborhood Revitalization
Our neighborhood revitalization services focus on restoring and enhancing existing urban areas through mixed-income housing and infrastructure improvements. We implement data-driven strategies to address blight while preserving cultural heritage. Our work includes transforming distressed public housing into thriving mixed-income communities recognized as national models.
Mixed-Income Housing
We develop mixed-income housing solutions that create economically diverse communities through strategic public-private partnerships. Our expertise includes Low-Income Housing Tax Credit programs and HUD initiatives. We've successfully implemented over 10,000 housing units that balance affordability with market-rate components to foster inclusive neighborhoods.
Commercial Development
Our commercial development services create vibrant retail and business environments that support local economies. We specialize in integrating 250,000+ sq ft of commercial spaces within residential areas to create walkable communities. Our projects combine historic preservation with modern amenities to maximize economic impact.
Project Management
We provide end-to-end project management for complex urban developments, ensuring timely delivery and budget compliance. Our customized approach handles all phases from planning through construction. With experience managing $2 billion in investments, we maintain stakeholder consensus while addressing daily development challenges effectively.
People
James Brooks
President/CEO
AICP-certified urban development expert with 25+ years experience. Founded Boulevard Group in 1997 after 18 years in public sector planning. Led $2 billion in revitalization projects including Chicago's Cabrini Green transformation. Recognized national expert in HUD programs and mixed-income housing models.
Questions
What geographic areas does Boulevard Group operate in?
We work across 20 U.S. states and 36 cities, with recent projects in Chicago, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. Our national experience includes both urban centers and smaller municipalities requiring revitalization.
What types of urban development projects do you specialize in?
We focus on mixed-use developments, neighborhood revitalization, mixed-income housing, and commercial space transformations. Our expertise includes integrating historic preservation with modern urban design requirements.
How does Boulevard Group approach community engagement?
We prioritize stakeholder consensus through collaborative design processes. Our approach involves extensive community consultation to ensure developments reflect local needs while balancing public and private interests effectively.
What financing options are available for your projects?
We leverage Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, HUD Choice Neighborhoods grants, RAD programs, and public-private partnerships. Our team has secured over $2 billion in development financing for urban revitalization projects nationwide.
What awards has Boulevard Group received?
Our firm has earned the Congress for New Urbanism Charter Award, Historic Preservation Awards, and Fortune Magazine's Inner City 100 recognition. Our projects have received national acclaim for innovative urban housing solutions.
How does Boulevard Group ensure sustainable development?
We incorporate environmental best practices, promote walkable communities, and preserve cultural heritage in all projects. Our approach balances immediate development needs with long-term sustainability for future generations.
