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The Athens Apartments

11 E Athens Ave. Ardmore, PA 19003
610-642-2561
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The Athens Apartments

11 E Athens Ave, Ardmore, PA 19003, USA

11 E Athens Ave. Ardmore, PA 19003
610-642-2561
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Audubon Manor Apartments

210-A N. Everhart Street, West Chester, PA 19380
610-709-5221
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Audubon Manor Apartments

210 N Everhart Ave, West Chester, PA 19380, USA

210-A N. Everhart Street, West Chester, PA 19380
610-709-5221
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Audubon Pointe Apartments

615 Downingtown Pike, West Chester, PA 19380
610-273-8100
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Audubon Pointe Apartments

615 Downingtown Pike, West Chester, PA 19380, USA

615 Downingtown Pike, West Chester, PA 19380
610-273-8100
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Chestnut Run Village

12 Mary Ella Drive, Suite E, Wilmington, DE 19805
302-307-1513
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Chestnut Run Village

12 Mary Ella Dr, Wilmington, DE 19805, USA

12 Mary Ella Drive, Suite E, Wilmington, DE 19805
302-307-1513
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Commons at Mansfield

150 N Main St, Mansfield, PA 16933
570-560-6974
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Commons at Mansfield

150 N Main St, Mansfield, PA 16933, USA

150 N Main St, Mansfield, PA 16933
570-560-6974
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Goshen Manor Apartments

101 North Five Points Road, West Chester, PA 19380
484-245-2923
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Goshen Manor Apartments

101 N 5 Points Rd, West Chester, PA 19380, USA

101 North Five Points Road, West Chester, PA 19380
484-245-2923
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Goshen Terrace Apartments

1149 Kingsway Rd, West Chester, PA 19382
610-563-2969
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Goshen Terrace Apartments

1149 Kingsway Rd, West Chester, PA 19382, USA

1149 Kingsway Rd, West Chester, PA 19382
610-563-2969
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Greenview at Chestnut Run

70 Court Dr, Wilmington, DE 19805
302-307-2049
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Greenview at Chestnut Run

70 Court Dr, Wilmington, DE 19805, USA

70 Court Dr, Wilmington, DE 19805
302-307-2049
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The Greentree Building

111 N High St, West Chester, PA 19380
484-854-3359
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The Greentree Building

111 N High St, West Chester, PA 19380, USA

111 N High St, West Chester, PA 19380
484-854-3359
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Heather Glen Apartments

1650 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19380
610-563-2954
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Heather Glen Apartments

1650 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382, USA

1650 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19380
610-563-2954
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Highland Manor Apartments

850 Schuylkill Road, Pottstown, PA 19465
610-563-2990
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Highland Manor Apartments

850 E Schuylkill Rd, Pottstown, PA 19465, USA

850 Schuylkill Road, Pottstown, PA 19465
610-563-2990
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Highwoods at Toftrees

390 Toftrees Avenue State College, PA 16803
855-997-0369
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Highwoods at Toftrees

390 Toftrees Ave, State College, PA 16803, USA

390 Toftrees Avenue State College, PA 16803
855-997-0369
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Lakeview Apartments

948 Main Street, Williamsport, PA 17702
570-933-7721
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Lakeview Apartments

948 Main St, South Williamsport, PA 17702, USA

948 Main Street, Williamsport, PA 17702
570-933-7721
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Lions Gate Apartments

1293 Lions Gate Blvd Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-397-0881
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Lions Gate Apartments

1293 Lions Gate Blvd, Bloomsburg, PA 17815, USA

1293 Lions Gate Blvd Bloomsburg, PA 17815
570-397-0881
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Millers Crossing

100 Country View Lane, Millersville, PA 17551
717-268-9556
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Millers Crossing

100 Country View Ln, Millersville, PA 17551, USA

100 Country View Lane, Millersville, PA 17551
717-268-9556
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Norris Hills Apartments

1830 North Hills Drive, Norristown, PA 19401
610-232-7799
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Norris Hills Apartments

1830 N Hills Dr, Norristown, PA 19401, USA

1830 North Hills Drive, Norristown, PA 19401
610-232-7799
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Perkiomen Place Apartments

101 W 2nd St, Pennsburg, PA 18073
484-652-8907
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Perkiomen Place Apartments

101 W 2nd St, Pennsburg, PA 18073, USA

101 W 2nd St, Pennsburg, PA 18073
484-652-8907
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Quail Run Apartments

1424 Passey Lane Lancaster, PA 17603
717-287-1897
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Quail Run Apartments

1424 Passey Ln, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA

1424 Passey Lane Lancaster, PA 17603
717-287-1897
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Regency Towers

1600 Lehigh Parkway E., Allentown, PA 18103
484-245-2370
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Regency Towers

1H, 1600 Lehigh Pkwy E, Allentown, PA 18103, USA

1600 Lehigh Parkway E., Allentown, PA 18103
484-245-2370
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Ribbon Place Apartments

239 E. Boundary Avenue York, PA 17403
717-997-2124
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Ribbon Place Apartments

239 E Boundary Ave, York, PA 17403, USA

239 E. Boundary Avenue York, PA 17403
717-997-2124
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Royersford Gardens

25 North Fifth Avenue, Royersford, PA 19468
610-563-2840
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Royersford Gardens

25 N 5th Ave, Royersford, PA 19468, USA

25 North Fifth Avenue, Royersford, PA 19468
610-563-2840
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Stone Gate Woods

743 Starr Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460
610-563-2985
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Stone Gate Woods

743 Starr St, Phoenixville, PA 19460, USA

743 Starr Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460
610-563-2985
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Stone Mill Station Apartments

250 Stone Mill Road Lancaster, PA 17603
717-287-0426
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Stone Mill Station Apartments

250 Stone Mill Rd, Lancaster, PA 17603, USA

250 Stone Mill Road Lancaster, PA 17603
717-287-0426
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Toftrees Apartments

390 Toftrees Avenue, State College, PA 16803
814-208-7921
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Toftrees Apartments

390 Toftrees Ave, State College, PA 16803, USA

390 Toftrees Avenue, State College, PA 16803
814-208-7921
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Vairo Village

10 Vairo Boulevard, State College, PA 16803
814-204-3232
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Vairo Village

10 Vairo Blvd, State College, PA 16803, USA

10 Vairo Boulevard, State College, PA 16803
814-204-3232
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Village Square

1600 Brookwood Drive Bensalem, PA 19020
877-217-7450
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Village Square

1600 Brookwood Dr, Bensalem, PA 19020, USA

1600 Brookwood Drive Bensalem, PA 19020
877-217-7450
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Walton Heights Townhomes and Apartments

1101 E Walton Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602
814-619-3811
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Walton Heights Townhomes and Apartments

1101 E Walton Ave, Altoona, PA 16602, USA

1101 E Walton Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602
814-619-3811
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Willowbrook Apartments

3360 Chichester Ave, Boothwyn, PA 19061
610-563-2986
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Willowbrook Apartments

3360 Chichester Ave, Boothwyn, PA 19061, USA

3360 Chichester Ave, Boothwyn, PA 19061
610-563-2986
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Willowdale Crossing

150-A Willowdale Drive, Frederick, MD 21702
301-825-9736
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Willowdale Crossing

150 Willowdale Dr, Frederick, MD 21702, USA

150-A Willowdale Drive, Frederick, MD 21702
301-825-9736
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Bradfield Court

2323 Heston St, Roslyn, PA 19001, USA

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Madison Court

1 Madison Ave, Warminster, PA 18974, USA

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Woodland Hills

105 Woodland Ave, Middletown, PA 17057, USA

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Westbury Apartments

3100 Terwood Rd, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA

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Rolling Hills Apartments

26 Township Line Rd, Elkins Park, PA 19027, USA

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Featured

Properties

Creekside North Apartments

250 Stone Mill Road Lancaster, PA 17603

Large private patios and balconies
Washer/dryers in select homes
Ample closet space
Central air conditioning

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Creekside South Apartments

1424 Passey Lane Lancaster, PA 17603

Individually controlled heating and AC
Large private balconies and patios
Spacious walk In closet
Washer and dryer in select homes

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Dublin Village Apartments

160 Middle Road Dublin, PA 18917

Laundry Facilities
Walk-in Closets
Pet Friendly
On-site Parking

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The Athens Apartments

11 E Athens Ave. Ardmore, PA 19003

In-home washer & dryer
Designer finishes throughout
Ample closet space
Large private balconies in select homes

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Audubon Manor Apartments

210-A N. Everhart Street, West Chester, PA 19380

Heat, water, sewer, and trash removal included
Laundry center in each building
Minutes to downtown West Chester
24 hour emergency maintenance

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Audubon Pointe Apartments

615 Downingtown Pike, West Chester, PA 19380

Designer finishes throughout
Full size washer and dryer
Balcony or patio available
Controlled building access

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bradfield-court-apartments-abington-pa-building-photo (2)

Bradfield Court Apartments

2323 Heston St Abington, PA 19001

Pet friendly
Extra storage
On-site laundry facilities
Assistance from a 24/7 live leasing agent

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Chestnut Run Village

12 Mary Ella Drive, Suite E, Wilmington, DE 19805

Gas, water, sewer, and trash included
Easily accessible to public transportation and major highways
Off-street parking available
On-site maintenance and management

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Commons at Mansfield

150 N Main St, Mansfield, PA 16933

Private bedrooms
Central heating and air conditioning
Free parking
Fully equipped kitchens

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Creekside North Apartments

250 Stone Mill Road Lancaster, PA 17603

Large private patios and balconies
Washer/dryers in select homes
Ample closet space
Central air conditioning

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Creekside South Apartments

1424 Passey Lane Lancaster, PA 17603

Individually controlled heating and AC
Large private balconies and patios
Spacious walk In closet
Washer and dryer in select homes

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The Dorchester Apartments

801 Willopenn Drive Southampton, PA 18966

Pet friendly
Swimming pool
Ample closet space
Assistance from a 24/7 live leasing agent

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Dublin Village Apartments

160 Middle Road Dublin, PA 18917

Laundry Facilities
Walk-in Closets
Pet Friendly
On-site Parking

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Goshen Manor Apartments

101 North Five Points Road, West Chester, PA 19380

Heat, water, sewer, and trash removal included
Fitness center available
Shimmering swimming pool
Laundry centers in every building

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Goshen Terrace Apartments

1149 Kingsway Rd, West Chester, PA 19382

Upgraded apartments available
Fitness center and nature trail
Grill and fire pit area
Large swimming pool

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The Greentree Building

111 N High St, West Chester, PA 19380

Fitness center
Controlled building access
Resident lounge and rooftop terrace
Storage space available

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Heather Glen Apartments

1650 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19380

Off street parking
Playground
Convenient location
On-site and emergency maintenance

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Greenview at Chestnut Run

70 Court Dr, Wilmington, DE 19805

Water, sewer, and trash removal included
Fitness center
Laundry center
Close to downtown Wilmington

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Highland Manor Apartments

850 Schuylkill Road, Pottstown, PA 19465

Heat and hot water inlcuded
Off-street parking
On-site maintenance and management
On-site laundry centers

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Highwoods at Toftrees

390 Toftrees Avenue State College, PA 16803

Luxury apartments
Central heating and air conditioning
In-home laundry
Smoke-free

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Lakeview Apartments

948 Main Street, Williamsport, PA 17702

Central air
Laundry center
Beautiful wooded setting
Lakehouse

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Lions Gate Apartments

1293 Lions Gate Blvd Bloomsburg, PA 17815

Fully furnished apartments
Free shuttle to campus every 15 minutes
24/7 fitness center and spin studio
Luxury kitchens and baths

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Madison Court Apartments

1 Madison Avenue Warminster, PA 18974

Pet friendly
On-site laundry facilities
Convenient off street parking
Assistance from a 24/7 live leasing agent

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Millers Crossing

100 Country View Lane, Millersville, PA 17551

Washer and dryer in apartment
Private patio or balcony
Dishwasher
Fitness center

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Norris Hills Apartments

1830 North Hills Drive, Norristown, PA 19401

Free heat and hot water available
Fitness center
Controlled building access
Sparkling swimming pool

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Regency Towers

1600 Lehigh Parkway E., Allentown, PA 18103

Fitness center
Social lounge
Swimming pool
Covered and garage parking available

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Ribbon Place Apartments

239 E. Boundary Avenue York, PA 17403

Free internet and cable
Full size washer and dryer
Private bathrooms
Resident lounges and fitness center

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Rolling Hill Apartments

26 Township Line Road Elkins Park, PA 19027

Ample closet space
Hardwood floors
Dishwasher in every home
Air conditioning

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Royersford Gardens

25 North Fifth Avenue, Royersford, PA 19468

Hot water included
Central air conditioning
Balcony or patio available
Off-street parking

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Stone Gate Woods

743 Starr Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460

Laundry
Wooded views
Storage space
Pet-friendly

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Toftrees Apartments

390 Toftrees Avenue, State College, PA 16803

Fitness center
Resident lounge
Three-season pool
Indoor and outdoor fireplaces

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Vairo Village

10 Vairo Boulevard, State College, PA 16803

Resident lounge
Fitness center with locker room
Sparkling swimming pool
Laundry centers

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Village Square

1600 Brookwood Drive Bensalem, PA 19020

Central air
In-home washer & dryer
Smoke-free apartments available
Off-leash dog park

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Walton Heights Townhomes and Apartments

1101 E Walton Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602

Convenient location
On-site maintenance and management
Ample parking
Central air

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Westbury Apartments

3100 Terwood Road Willow Grove, PA 19090

Dishwasher in select units
Oak hardwood floors
Laundry facilities on site
Spacious apartments with large closets

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Willowbrook Apartments

3360 Chichester Ave, Boothwyn, PA 19061

Heat, hot water, sewer, and trash included
Large swimming pool
Intercom entry system
Central air

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Willowdale Crossing

150-A Willowdale Drive, Frederick, MD 21702

In-home washer/dryer
Private patio or balcony
Business & fitness center
Swimming pool & playground

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Woodland Hills Apartments

105 Woodland Avenue, Middletown, PA 17057

Cat and dog friendly
Luxurious kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances
Fitness center with free weights, cardio area and 24-hour access
Off-street parking

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The Early Years

In the early years, the apartment communities were in less than desirable neighborhoods. As such, a freshly painted and immaculately cleaned apartment was very marketable. Despite the efforts to provide well-maintained apartments to a community in need of quality housing, the housing activists of the 1970’s targeted BRC, and its competitors. This group coached tenants on techniques to avoid paying rent and tried, on several occasions, to organize rent strikes to paralyze the Company’s operations. Steve and Jim knew they offered a first class product and faced this group head on. Eventually, they prevailed; however, through this struggle, they realized that they had to start moving the operations into better locations and neighborhoods, where such issues were not as prevalent.

The challenge was finding the financial resources to acquire properties in more desirable neighborhoods. In 1975, they were struggling to make mortgage payments to an out of town financier and were told to deliver the mortgage payments in person to an office located in Norris Hills Apartments, one the of the financier’s properties in Norristown, Pa.

The financier recognized their diligence in making every effort to stay current in the mortgage obligations and appreciated how they dealt with the financial challenges of the property. Because of Steve and Jim’s diligence and sincere effort, the financier agreed to sell Norris Hills to them, financing the purchase with a negligible down payment. Norris Hills was burdened with deferred maintenance and occupancy issues at the time of acquisition.

He was the most distressed asset in the Company’s portfolio, but this didn’t stop Jim and Steve from successfully turning it around. By 1980 the company owned and managed slightly over 1,000 apartments in the Philadelphia suburbs. After reflecting on the company’s dealings over the past several years, Steve and Jim saw that if they had better knowledge and expertise to properly analyze and underwrite acquisitions, they would not have purchased some of their existing assets. They often struggled. However, learning from working out the obstacles of turning around a distressed property, they became better and better at managing them with efficiency, and integrity.

The Basic Fundamentals

While the Company’s current Fundamentals were a long way from being formalized, there were several take away lessons from these experiences which ultimately shaped BRC’s success and formed their core principals of today:

“We always do the right thing” They recognized the Norris Hills Financier’s right to have the payments received, and did whatever possible to honor this commitment. The only reason they were able to purchase Norris Hills was because of their efforts to stay current with the mortgage on a different asset. It is ironic that opportunities arise when least expected, and by simply doing the right thing, positive results are achieved.
“We take ownership” They had every excuse possible not to honor their financing commitment; however, they took ownership of their problems and found solutions to make it work.
“We are responsive” Once funds were available to make the required payments, they were hand-delivered to the financier on the same day rather than be delayed any further.

The Success of the 1980s

By 1980, several local banks and syndicators had witnessed the company’s success in challenging markets and offered the BRC the opportunity to purchase apartment communities that were in default or on the verge of default. These properties were located in suburban Philadelphia and offered a much greater upside than they had experienced in previous ventures. Despite being in better locations, many of the problems these properties faced were similar to that witnessed in prior acquisitions. As such, the same basic operating procedures continued to be used in order to achieve success.

By 1986 they purchased Highland Manor Apartments in Kenilworth, Pa; Goshen Manor, Goshen Terrace, and Audubon Manor Apartments in West Chester, Pa; Douglas Court in Stowe, Pa; Royersford Gardens in Royersford, Pa; and Perkiomen Place Apartments in Pennsburg, Pa.

They had also sold all properties located in the City of Philadelphia. After having acquired Goshen Terrace, which was now the largest property they owned, Steve and Jim realized that their personal efforts would be best utilized if they were to work out of the Goshen Terrace offices.

It also provided them with the opportunity to empower the corporate office team, which now comprised of five employees, to take on more responsibility. In 1989, they had the capital to purchase Toftrees Apartments, in State College, Pa. Toftrees, at 541 apartments, was the largest property they owned and represented the first significant cash investment the company had ever made. In addition, this was the first property outside the Greater Philadelphia area, and the first property acquisition that was already stabilized with few deferred maintenance or occupancy issues at the time of acquisition.

As such, they thought it was best to let almost all operations continue to be based out of State College. BRC still has a few team members with them today that worked at Toftrees when they purchased the community! Since acquiring Toftrees was so significant, the company slowed down its real estate acquisitions for the next several years. The next acquisition was in 1996 at which time they acquired Miller’s Crossing Apartments in Millersville, Pa. This acquisition was similar to those from the earlier years, in that it was a distressed asset, and was purchased with a substantial amount of debt.

These 5 Years Were Marked By 5 Milestones

During this period BRC began to establish a niche, owning and managing apartment communities in the secondary and tertiary markets of Pennsylvania. There was far less competition to purchase communities in these rural locations, and the players in these markets were mostly “Mom and Pop” management companies. Since BRC already had regional offices within 90 miles from these sites, the communities strategically fit within the company. They were able to bring professional management and outstanding customer service to these smaller towns. For the first time, BRC began purchasing and managing student apartment communities. They were very excited to break into the student housing industry, as the enrollment at Pa public and private Universities continued to expand while endowments for housing on campus were shrinking. BRC knew that if they were able to better understand the mindset of a college student (including how to market to them, and what they valued most), they may be able to convert them into residents at their conventional apartment communities. Essentially, the student renters of today would become their conventional apartment resident of tomorrow.
During this period BRC became a licensed Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker and began managing apartment communities for third parties. Its first third party management client was Northwyn Court Apartments in West Chester, Pa, followed by Cumberland Apartments in Wilkes Barre, Pa. Both of these Communities were small, with only 32 and 60 apartments respectively. BRC’s goal was to start small while they perfected their third party management practices. Managing these communities was quite different from managing their owned assets as the third party owner was an additional relationship and a new customer to “Wow.”
BRC then intensely focused its attention on building a strong, intentional company culture. The Company was managing 18 different apartment communities and had 19 (including the corporate office) different cultures. To take the company to the next level, BRC felt it was critical to create one unified culture throughout the company, and shift attention to becoming a culture driven company. BRC believes success lies within the team. In 2012 BRC rolled out “The Berger Way”, a set of 21 Fundamentals to live by. They believe by focusing on the culture and team, they will have the ability to continue providing that “Ahhh, home” feeling to all residents. Furthermore, the Company determined that iBRC then intensely focused its attention on building a strong, intentional company culture. The Company was managing 18 different apartment communities and had 19 (including the corporate office) different cultures. To take the company to the next level, BRC felt it was critical to create one unified culture throughout the company, and shift attention to becoming a culture driven company. BRC believes success lies within the team. In 2012 BRC rolled out “The Berger Way”, a set of 21 Fundamentals to live by. They believe by focusing on the culture and team, they will have the ability to continue providing that “Ahhh, home” feeling to all residents. Furthermore, the Company determined that it was committed to long term growth which would expand the opportunities of its team.
In 2013, after restructuring their organization for growth and fine-tuning their third party management services, Dan and Steve decided it was time to launch a new Division of BRC that would cater specifically to their third party clients. In July Berger Real Estate Services was launched.

By the end of 1996, the Company owned and managed 1,700 apartments, but would not acquire any new properties for the next 10 years.

The Passing of Jim Berger and the Future of the Company

Sadly, in January 2001, Jim Berger passed away at the age of 55. This was a difficult time as Jim and Steve had worked so closely for many years, and Jim was very close to many of the Company’s employees. Steve was faced with a very difficult decision to either continue on with the business or sell the real estate. Fortunately, he decided to continue the business. In 2005, Steve’s son Dan Berger, 26, joined the Company. Dan had his JD and MBA degrees from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pa, and was at the point in his life that his focus shifted from practicing law towards a career in Real Estate. At the same time Steve’s daughter Cindy Nissen, 23, was wrapping up her Apartment Mystery Shopping business and wanted to focus on property management rather than the evaluation of property management personnel.

The focus of the Company’s efforts turned to maximize rental income, as well as cost control and marketing. As the locations of the properties now spanned over a hundred miles, the Company embarked on a management style that fostered delegation of responsibilities and authority. In 2006, they purchased Vairo Village Apartments in State College, Pa. This 410 apartment home community had significant operational challenges and required a much time and capital investment. Within one year though, the property that was previously sinking in losses became another profitable venture because of BRC’s style of management, and their willingness to adopt more sophisticated operating process. Until this time, with a few exceptions, the company’s offices were always situated in close proximity to the apartment communities, so that they could provide hands-on management.

All Property Managers previously reported directly to the corporate offices; however, with the planned growth of the company in terms of the number of apartments, properties, and the expansion of the operating territory, this became very challenging. They did not want to jeopardize the hands-on approach that proved so successful in the past. In addition, this structure made it difficult to grow as they had limited bandwidth. Shortly after the purchase of Vairo Village, BRC determined it was time to restructure the organization in order to allow for additional growth and to bring a new level of expertise to the organization. They moved to a regional structure by dividing the portfolio into three regions (West Chester, Montgomery/Lancaster County, and State College). This new structure would provide more bandwidth for growth, and allow additional training and expertise to our communities.

2008-2013 Company Expansion

In 2008, the corporate office was moved from Norris Hills to a commercial office building in Wayne, Pa. From 2008-2013, the Company expanded in Pa with acquisitions of The Commons at Mansfield in Mansfield, The Lofts, and The Residences at Ribbon Place in York, Highland Manor and 25 North Apartments in Pottstown, Walton Heights Apartments in Altoona, Norris Hills East in Norristown, Lakeview Apartments Williamsport, and Forest Manor Apartments in West Chester. These properties were purchased with substantially more cash than required in the past as the multi-family market had become highly competitive. From a cash flow standpoint, they shifted their focus to building significant capital improvement reserves to ensure that the capital needs of the communities would be met for the long term so that the assets would remain profitable and stable.

These 5 Years Were Marked By 5 Milestones

During this period BRC began to establish a niche, owning and managing apartment communities in the secondary and tertiary markets of Pennsylvania. There was far less competition to purchase communities in these rural locations, and the players in these markets were mostly “Mom and Pop” management companies. Since BRC already had regional offices within 90 miles from these sites, the communities strategically fit within the company. They were able to bring professional management and outstanding customer service to these smaller towns. For the first time, BRC began purchasing and managing student apartment communities. They were very excited to break into the student housing industry, as the enrollment at Pa public and private Universities continued to expand while endowments for housing on campus were shrinking. BRC knew that if they were able to better understand the mindset of a college student (including how to market to them, and what they valued most), they may be able to convert them into residents at their conventional apartment communities. Essentially, the student renters of today would become their conventional apartment resident of tomorrow.
During this period BRC became a licensed Pennsylvania Real Estate Broker and began managing apartment communities for third parties. Its first third-party management client was Northwyn Court Apartments in West Chester, Pa, followed by Cumberland Apartments in Wilkes Barre, Pa. Both of these Communities were small, with only 32 and 60 apartments respectively. BRC’s goal was to start small while they perfected their third-party management practices. Managing these communities was quite different from managing their owned assets as the third party owner was an additional relationship and a new customer to “Wow.”
BRC then intensely focused its attention on building a strong, intentional company culture. The Company was managing 18 different apartment communities and had 19 (including the corporate office) different cultures. To take the company to the next level, BRC felt it was critical to create one unified culture throughout the company and to shift attention to becoming a culture driven company. BRC believes success lies within the team.
In 2012 BRC rolled out “The Berger Way”, a set of 21 Fundamentals to live by. They believe by focusing on the culture and team, they will have the ability to continue providing that “Ahhh, home” feeling to all residents. Furthermore, the Company determined that it was committed to long-term growth which would expand the opportunities of its team.
In 2013, after restructuring their organization for growth and fine-tuning their third-party management services, Dan and Steve decided it was time to launch a new Division of BRC that would cater specifically to their third-party clients. In July Berger Real Estate Services was launched.

“We see a tremendous opportunity to utilize our proven operating model in the form of third-party management and services. We have looked at numerous “for-sale” properties that were being managed by third-party providers and they always seem to be lacking in one category or another. We are confident that our all-encompassing approach that focuses on returns through income and expense management, instead of simply revenue and occupancy, will prove to be a demanded and successful endeavor”

- Dan Berger

Operating Procedures and Aministration

Managing over-priced and over-leveraged properties required them to implement operating procedures and disciplines that would maximize cash flow. Jim and Steve focused on maximizing curb appeal, leasing apartments, and rent collection with a zero tolerance for delinquency. It was common for them to file 30 landlord/tenant eviction actions each month, which was quite substantial considering the number of apartments the Company owned. They had always stayed steadfast to their underwriting criteria and collection practices in order to prevent delinquency, and more importantly, maintain an apartment community that would be safe and comfortable for all residents. Their ideals were the foundations of BRC’s current Fundamentals, which guide all of the decisions made today.

In an effort to increase cash flow as rapidly as possible, all efforts were directed towards revenue related activities. Steve’s responsibilities were initially focused on the administration and the accounting side of the company while Jim’s focus was on leasing and collections. There was no need to focus on capital expenditures as there were none planned.

Day to day maintenance was more or less delegated to on-site personnel. The mentality was that it took far more effort to reduce a repair cost than to rent an apartment. They defined the company as a revenue-focused company which directed maximum efforts to generate revenue.