Developer of the Year
Gary Shapiro – Ivanhoe Companies
Gary Shapiro and The Ivanhoe Companies have earned and maintained a long-standing reputation for creativity and innovation in the entitlement, development and construction of quality, well-designed communities throughout southeastern Michigan. Ivanhoe has developed over 2,000 acres of land; 10,000 sites; and over 100 communities. In addition, the company has built and managed over 3,000 apartment units, and built over 3,500 residential and multi-family units as well as office complexes and neighborhood shopping centers.
Gary and his team are constantly analyzing changes in the marketplace and demographics. Ivanhoe is currently targeting suburban infill sites for higher density condominiums/townhouses, apartments, and smaller lots/cottage-style sites. Developments are currently taking up to three years to bring to fruition. “We recently completed multiple developments in West Bloomfield, Novi, Lyon Twp. and Rochester Hills, and currently have four communities in the design and entitlement process planned for 2021 and 2022,” said Gary, who is president and a principal of The Ivanhoe Companies.
Ivanhoe has been nationally recognized for environmental land planning, development and building achievements. Gary and The Ivanhoe Companies have won numerous prestigious awards and are the only three-time recipient of the Michigan Community of the Year Award from the Michigan Society of Planning Officials. Other awards include the nationally acclaimed American Planning Association Award; an NAHB Best in National Living award; multiple HBA Sales & Marketing Council awards; a Lifetime Achievement Award from West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce; multiple management and beautification awards; as well HBA Developer of the Year and Development of the Year awards.
Gary takes pride in having a full scope of knowledge in real estate entitlement, development, construction, land economics and property management. Ivanhoe’s communities continue to harmoniously integrate challenging features including woodlands, wetlands, creeks and ponds. “We are constantly striving to innovate, while achieving density appropriate to the target market,” said Gary. “We enhance community identity by ensuring walkability and incorporating places of interest such as pocket parks, pergolas and gazebos. We enhance wetlands by incorporating creative environmentally sensitive features like rain gardens and bioswales. We have successfully embraced Smart Growth, Infill and the place-making communities concepts by considering, addressing and designing to the market demand and specifics of each location.”
Gary has been married to Deborah for 38 years. The couple has three children, who are all successful attorneys: Jacob, who is a principal at The Ivanhoe Companies and Ivanhoe Management, Victoria and Ilana. The couple enjoys spending time with their children and three grandchildren: Ari, Elle and Harper.