Managing People’s Homes with Pride since 1969
Who We Are
A Leading Owner/Manager of Multifamily Communities in New England
Facts at a Glance
- Year Founded: 1969
- Mission: Managing People's Homes with Pride
- Vision: Chestnut Hill Realty is dedicated to sustainability and long-term strategic growth through its commitment to our residents, employees, investors, and the greater community.
- Founder and Chief Executive Officer: Edward E. Zuker
- Headquarters Location: Chestnut Hill, MA
- Employees: 220
- Portfolio Value: $1.5 billion
Owner/Manager of Apartment Properties
- Apartment Properties: 32
- Units: 5,000
- Locations
- Greater Boston: Boston, Brighton, Brookline, Canton, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Framingham, Newton, Norwood, Plainville, West Roxbury
- Rhode Island: Providence
- View a List of CHR Communities
Owner/Manager of Commercial Properties
- Square Feet: 180,000
- Property Types: Retail, Office, Medical Office
- Locations
- Greater Boston: Brookline, Cambridge, Chestnut Hill, Framingham
- Rhode Island: Providence
Our History at a Glance
Travel Through Time with CHR - No Ticket or Passport Needed!
People
Our team shares a common philosophy: deliver a quality product, provide excellent customer service, and foster an environment that attracts and retains the best people.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Chestnut Hill Realty is committed to promoting the values of inclusion, equity and belonging by supporting policies that promote these values while engaging the voices of our community to promote equality and compassion.
In September 2020, Chestnut Hill Realty Founder and CEO Ed Zuker joined CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion. The members of this coalition, now more than 2,300 strong, pledged to take action to cultivate workplaces where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected, and where employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion. The Pledge aims to rally the business community to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace and society at large by working collectively across organizations and sectors.
Aiming to take a more structured approach to moving our diversity and inclusion agenda forward, CHR formed a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Committee. Seventeen employees from across our sites and departments volunteered to take part in this important initiative, beginning with the completion of a six-week intensive training program conducted by YW Boston. In collaboration with YW Boston, an action plan was created and later approved by senior leadership. The DEIB Committee’s mission, with the support of the Executive Leadership Team, is to help develop and nurture an organization that is more inclusive and where everyone can reach their full potential.
DEIB Committee Members (R to L): Kaitlyn Hesse, Melissa Hartman, Taylor Sudalter, Candess Desay, Tracy Mahoney, Keiry Madera, John DeMunda, Saige Munroe, Lauren Zuker Siff, Heather Perry, Kerri Speranza. Not pictured: Tanaja Graham-Cole, Grant Haggerty, Jaimie McHugh Wallace
A company-wide diversity conference, Inspiring Inclusivity 2022, was attended by the entire company of more than 200 CHR employees. Moderated by experts in the field, seminar topics included Courageous Conversations, Tips for Disability Belonging, Exploring Diversity, Talking Race at Work, and Words Matter. During the two, half-day sessions, employees were encouraged to spend time in a Learning Lab where information on Hispanic heritage, LGBTQ, women’s history and other related topic could be explored.
Chestnut Hill Realty prides itself on its long-standing commitment to philanthropy and giving back to the community. This commitment extends to its employees, residents, and the environment.
Environmental Sustainability
Natural Resource Conservation: CHR has reduced its footprint by over 80% since the 1970s and continues to seek further reductions in gas, oil, electricity, fossil fuels and water. Energy Star appliances are used throughout the portfolio.
Landscape Management: Irrigation smart controls are utilized at all properties, resulting in a 30% reduction in water usage. Plants are selected based on disease and pest resistance qualities so there is less reliance on pesticides. Grass clippings and leaves are composted and used for fertilizer.
Emissions Controls: Battery powered landscaping equipment is used at select properties, resulting in zero emissions and less noise pollution. Approximately one quarter of CHR’s communities are 100% smoke free. Electric car charging stations are being installed as space and need permit.
Recycling: A recycling program for collection of household waste is being implemented at 100% of CHR communities. Of these, six have onsite recycling centers.
Paperless Workflows: CHR implements paperless workflows companywide.
Sustainable Purchasing: All copy paper is manufactured from 30% recycled materials. Toilet paper and paper towels are Green Seal approved. Residents receive reusable shopping bags as move-in gifts.
Employee Development and Well-Being
Professional Development: CHR University’s curriculum includes programs for onboarding new employees, leadership development, and mentoring. Employees who participate in Walk in Someone Else’s Shoes Day develop stronger collaboration skills and relationships by doing a coworker’s job for one day.
Continuing Education Credential Programs: Leasing and Property Management employees receive instruction to qualify for advanced credentials including National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) and Certified Apartment Manager (CAM). Maintenance Services staff are eligible to obtain Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) credentials. The Maintenance Services Department also conducts in-house skills-based training at its Center for Maintenance Excellence training facility.
Health and Well Being: Programs for employees include wellness incentives and reimbursements, time off to volunteer, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and team building events sponsored by CHR’s Actively Coming Together (ACT) committee.
Insurance and Financial Planning: Benefits available to full and part-time employees include insurance (medical, dental, vision care, short and long term disability), 401(k) program, legal services, paid parental leave, student loan debt repayment, and flexible spending account.
Philanthropy and Community Service
Corporate Philanthropy: In 2021, Chestnut Hill Realty’s charitable donations totaled more than five hundred thousand dollars (see chart).
Charity of the Month: Throughout the year, the Company sponsors fundraising and donation drives and encourages employee and resident participation. In 2020, these efforts included Toys for Tots ($6,000=600+ toys); Pine Street Inn ($10,870) and Cure Alzheimer's Fund ($2,100).
Hope in Bloom: The Horticulture Department donates materials and labor to create a home garden for cancer patients.
Property-Based Philanthropy: CHR’s communities are active and have their own initiatives. One example is Move for Hunger, for which residents are asked to donate unused food when they are moving out of their apartments. In 2019, 1,198 lbs. of food was donated – the equivalent of 999 meals for families in need.
View 2021 Annual Report
View 2020 Annual Report
View 2019 Annual Report
Resident Outreach
Property-Sponsored Resident Events: In keeping with the goal of building communities at CHR properties, the Company sponsors numerous resident events throughout the year so they can get together and interact with each other and the property management staff.
Community Outreach
The Be Our Guest program provides local businesses and non-profit organizations complimentary use of CHR’s corporate and property-based amenity spaces for meetings, mixers, or events.
News & Awards
Michael McHugh, Property Manager for Hancock Village since 2018, has been recognized by the Massachusetts Apartment Association (MAA) as 2020's On-Site Apartment Manager of the Year. The award was announced at their annual Achievement Awards event, which was held virtually this year. With 789 townhouse apartments, Hancock Village is CHR's largest property and Mike supervises a staff of over 25 employees, including the on-site management team, resident services, the maintenance and landscaping teams, and the construction liaison team.
Metro Housing Boston, a non-profit organization that provides services that lead families and individuals to housing stability, economic security, and an improved quality of life, recently honored Ed Zuker, Founder and CEO of Chestnut Hill Realty, as their 2020 Housing Champion. The award was presented at the Champions of Housing gala on November 4, a live virtual Zoom event, that was well attended by a who’s who of real estate executives, community leaders and housing advocates.
Ed Zuker, Founder and CEO of Chestnut Hill Realty, is a founding board member and treasurer along with Eleanor White, Clerk and Barry Bluestone, Chair of the Board of Directors of Housing Forward-MA, a nonprofit housing advocacy group. Led by Josh Zakim, the Executive Director and former Boston City Councilor. The mission of Housing Forward-MA is to be a resource for pro-housing organizations and advocates by providing training, education and “research-backed” state- and local-level model policy proposals that help encourage the production of housing including affordable
Chestnut Hill Realty’s Ed Zuker has joined CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™. The members of this growing coalition, more than 1,000 strong, pledge to take action to cultivate workplaces where diverse perspectives and experiences are welcomed and respected, and where employees feel encouraged to discuss diversity and inclusion.
The term “essential worker,” has taken on a deeper meaning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our teachers, medical professionals, law enforcement and delivery personnel, among others, are providing critical services needed by individuals and society-as-a-whole. In appreciation of their continuing commitment and bravery, Until February 28, 2021, CHR is offering special discounted pricing on apartment rents and freezing rental increases for all two-year lease terms.
Since the onset of the COVID-19 quarantine mandates in March, millions of American workers have transitioned to working from home either on a temporary or permanent basis. While some may have previously set up home offices, others have had to find creative ways to carve out sections of their residences.
In keeping with CHR’s strategy to improve the appeal of its communities and enhance the lifestyles of its residents, Hancock Village, acquired in 1986 and the Company’s largest property, is undergoing an ambitious and exciting series of construction projects.
Victor Cabrera, Custodial Service at Regency Plaza, was honored by the Rhode Island Hospitality Association (RIHA), Allied Chapter, as Employee of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding achievements of employees in the hospitality, food service, tourism and allied industries. Award recipients are chosen by their bosses, coworkers and their customers. The RIHA represents over 600 members in the state of Rhode Island and has been the voice of the hospitality and foodservice industries in the state since 1963.
Chestnut Hill Realty, founded in 1969 by Ed Zuker, recently marked a significant milestone as they commemorated their 50th year in business. A special issue of the New England Real Estate Journal chronicles their history, achievements, and goals for the future.
The Rental Housing Association (RHA) selected Josh Griffin as Maintenance Technician of the Year. A valued member of the Norwest Woods Maintenance Services team since May 2016, Josh has developed an excellent rapport with residents, coworkers and vendors alike. He has put his previous knowledge about mold and remediation to work on several occasions since joining CHR, both through performing necessary cleanup work to mentoring coworkers.
“I am continually grateful to…CHR for all of your work in creating a great community and a wonderful place to call home. Thank you!” Elizabeth - Cambridge properties
"Each spring the Horticulture Department does a flower giveaway event at a few of the CHR properties. I enjoy these because we get to work with employees that I don’t normally see." - Steffon Holman, Senior Horticulture Technician
Our industry peers continue to recognize our company, properties and staff with awards on a local, regional and national level.
Your home is much more than the walls that surround you. It’s also a sense of place and a feeling of comfort. One way we seek to enhance your home is with beautifully landscaped grounds.
Caring is a core value at CHR, one we take seriously and commit to through philanthropy and numerous outreach activities.
"It was a pleasure being part of the WVV community. Thanks so much for all you have done. Throughout our stay, we had many joyful moments that we will take with us." Ananda & Michael – Water View Village
“I am continually grateful to…CHR for all of your work in creating a great community and a wonderful place to call home. Thank you!” Elizabeth - Cambridge properties
"Each spring the Horticulture Department does a flower giveaway event at a few of the CHR properties. I enjoy these because we get to work with employees that I don’t normally see." - Steffon Holman, Senior Horticulture Technician
Our industry peers continue to recognize our company, properties and staff with awards on a local, regional and national level.
Your home is much more than the walls that surround you. It’s also a sense of place and a feeling of comfort. One way we seek to enhance your home is with beautifully landscaped grounds.
Caring is a core value at CHR, one we take seriously and commit to through philanthropy and numerous outreach activities.
"It was a pleasure being part of the WVV community. Thanks so much for all you have done. Throughout our stay, we had many joyful moments that we will take with us." Ananda & Michael – Water View Village
Preferred Employer Program
Special Discounts for Your Employees
Quality Housing, Convenient Locations
Our Preferred Employer Program (PEP) offers employees at participating companies access to a range of conveniently located unfurnished and furnished apartments in the Greater Boston area and Providence, RI, and a special discount up to $1000 off their first month's rent. Why join PEP? Chestnut Hill Realty has owned and managed apartment homes with pride since 1969. Residents living at our communities receive industry-leading customer service, 24/7 maintenance response, flexible lease terms, and much more.
Participating Companies
Employees receive personalized apartment search services to help find the home that's right for them. There are no fees or charges for companies or employees.
The list shown on the left represents some of the companies participating in our program. If you're an employee, please contact your HR or Benefits Manager to see if your company is enrolled.
If you're an employer, and would like to join our program, please Contact Us.