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Gables Assists in the Rebuilding of a New Orleans Neighborhood
Gables Assists in the Rebuilding of a New Orleans Neighborhood
Published 03-09-07
Submitted by Gables Residential
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 9, 2007--On March 6, 2007, approximately 400 associates of Gables Residential (the "Company") participated in the rebuilding efforts of New Orleans as part of its 2007 National Gables Day. Every year Gables dedicates a day to giving back to local communities, and this year volunteered to repair and renovate structures in New Orleans. The event took place in conjunction with the Company's national meeting held in New Orleans.
In partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans and the First Unitarian Universalist Church, Gables associates worked to renovate, repair and rebuild several homes and buildings in the Freret Street neighborhood of New Orleans damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Projects included exterior repairs to the Robert Street Fire Station, interior and exterior renovations and landscaping of five area homes, and construction of office and dormitory space in the First Unitarian Universalist Church's community center. The community center has served as a base of operations for area volunteer efforts and the renovation will help ensure that safe housing and accommodations are available for the many out-of-town volunteers that the Church hosts.
"Community service is a core value of Gables. We want to set an example for Corporate America on how we can give back to communities with our actions," notes Gables CEO David Fitch. "New Orleans has always been an important place to Gables. Although we do not own or manage any apartments in this city, it has been the location of several important company events and is a favorite city for many of our associates. We're proud to be able to give back to the New Orleans community and help rebuild this great city."
According to Lauren Anderson, CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of New Orleans (NHS), the organization is "grateful for the continued support of both the faith-based and corporate volunteers from all over the United States and are proud to play a role in steering the groups to the areas in need of the most assistance." Volunteer groups, along with non-profit organizations such as NHS, have been instrumental in the rejuvenation of all elements of the community including homes, businesses, churches and schools.
Mr. Fitch also added, "We wanted to use the considerable skills of Gables associates to make the most impact. Because we are in the residential construction, management and maintenance business we could make a lot happen in a short period of time. We directed our volunteer efforts towards projects that could accelerate the reestablishment of neighborhoods where reconstruction efforts were already well underway. We believe this city will grow best organically, meaning that if market forces have already demonstrated a demand for rebuilding in a particular area, then we should direct our resources to accelerate that progress."
With a mission of Taking Care of the Way People Live(R), Gables Residential has received national recognition for excellence in the management, development, acquisition and construction of luxury multi-family communities in high job growth markets. The Company has a research-driven strategy focused on markets characterized by high job growth and resiliency to national economic downturns. Within these markets, the Company targets Established Premium Neighborhoods(TM) ("EPN's"), generally defined as areas with high per square foot prices for single-family homes.
The Company is one of the largest apartment operators in the nation and currently manages over 37,000 apartment homes in 146 communities, including the 62 communities it owns, primarily in the Atlanta, Austin, Dallas, Houston, Orlando, San Diego/Inland Empire, South Florida, Tampa, Tennessee and Washington, DC markets. The Company has also recently begun operations in the Boston, Chicago, Jacksonville and Seattle markets. The Company owns an additional 10 communities under development. For further information, please contact Gables Residential at (770) 436-4600 or visit Gables Residential's website at www.gables.com.
Copyright Business Wire 2007
