The Weitz Company

Predictable results┬áThe Weitz Company continues to build on the core values of its founder in the development of two senior living communities, finds Brendan A. Smith.  A century and a half ago, Charles H. Weitz, founding father of the Weitz Company, came to the United States from Germany eager to display his passion and skills in the carpentry field. In 1855, the year of his arrival, Weitz quickly launched his venture by winning contracts to build homes and government buildings in Des Moines, Iowa. The Weitz family has continued to build on the legacy and core values that Charles had imprinted in the family business. In March 1995, after 140 years, the family finally turned over a controlling interest in the company to a group of 36 employeesÔÇöan event that triggered a decade of unequaled growth and opportunity. Today the Weitz Company boasts a vast portfolio of projects ranging from commercial, governmental, educational, healthcare, hospitality/resort, military, and retail to current projects such as the senior living communities of Sagewood and Fox Hill. Weitz is recognized as a leading developer in senior living communities, with 169 projects spanning 30 states and generating $2.3 billion in revenue. Weitz credits its success to the core values of its founder: honesty and integrity, respect for people, performance with absolute reliability, long-term perspective, and nurturing personal growth. By approaching each new opportunity with these values in mind, Weitz continues to expect predictable results for its partners and clients. The company is recognized by Engineering News-Record as one of the top 50 in domestic general building revenue, a top 400 contractor, and also among the top 100 contractors by new contracts.When building senior living communities like Sagewood, located in northeast Phoenix, Arizona, the Weitz Company strives to create communities that can offer exceptional lifestyles with a focus on choice, flexibility and independence. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains, Sagewood is located adjacent to the 101 and 51 freeways and is within a short driving distance of Sky Harbor International Airport, many award-winning restaurants, and the world-famous shopping district in Scottsdale, Arizona. Weitz began construction on the 85 desert acres by strategically placing fences, berms, and other landscaping features to minimize the impact of construction on current residents. The contractors plan to keep all residents fully informed on the construction process and have taken steps to set up safe areas for residents to view the exciting transformation. Currently, plans call for two major phases of construction. Phase one will focus on community infrastructure and will incorporate traditional open-air southwestern architecture aimed at taking advantage of the favorable climate. Upon completion of phase one, the $283 million project will offer 181 casitas, villas, lofts and apartment homes. Plans for the two main buildings, the Clubhouse and Healthcare Center, include a Healthy Life Center, fitness center, aerobic lap pool and a spa. The Healthcare Center will provide assisted living, as well as memory and nursing care for residents. Phase two will cater to those who plan on taking advantage of the outdoors with blueprints for a practice golf putting and chipping course. The plans also highlight a 400-seat auditorium with stage and sound systems, additional guest rooms, and a second dining area.Fox Hill, another senior living community construction project under the direction of the Weitz Company, is located in the suburb of Bethesda, Maryland, just outside Washington DC. Fox Hill has many of the recurring themes of SagewoodÔÇöboth communities are geared toward a healthy lifestyle focused on flexibility and independence. Convenience is packed into every aspect of the condo-style community, which offers on site concierge services, housekeeping, and on-site banking. Residents can view films in the 200-seat Performing Arts Center, read in the library, or take computer classes. Seeking future growth, the Weitz Company draws on its heritage but also acknowledges the importance of innovation, focusing on lean construction, BIM (Building Information Modeling), LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), Electronic Construction Closeout and E-PCSÔÇöthe latter two being programs designed to electronically archive critical documentation. Weitz is ranked number, 17 of the Top 100 Green Contractors by Engineering News-Record with green revenues of $349 million. ÔÇô Editorial research by Jason Moore┬á