On October 11th The Institute of Real Estate Management Boston Chapter #4 (IREM) hosted a visit of 40 members from The Japan Condominium Management Companies Association to the Boston Area. The group was co-hosted by two AMO firms specializing in condominium management Crowninshield Management Corp. and Thayer and Associates.
The Japan Condominium Management Companies Association represents over 400 of the largest condominium management companies in Japan and has Certified Property Managers as part of the group. IREM takes great pride in all of its chapters both in the United States as well as the 18 international chapters. The Boston Chapter has shared a special affection for The IREM Japan Chapter over the years.
The group first toured The Crowninshield offices housed in the historic Crowninshield mansion in Peabody built in 1818. The estate was transformed into the largest leather factory in the world. This factory operated from 1904 through the 1960's. In the 1960's legislation was passed opening up the foreign shoe and leather trade thus putting an end to the trade in New England.
The property was converted into apartment housing by Collier along with other investors and Crowninshield Management Corp. was born in 1973. Crowninsheild has grown over the last four decades to manage over 6,000 units. The company is now run by Deborah Collier-Comins CPM, PCAM, ARM CMCA, president and Stuart Comins CPM, PCAM, CMCA, vice president.
The Japan Condominium Management Companies Association enjoyed a presentation of Crowinshield's corporate structure, marketing strategies and client services presented by Deborah and Nick Ruccolo CPM, PCAM, CMCA vice president. Nick was the Boston chapter president in the year 2000. It was under his year as president that the international committee was started.
Ralph Noblin P.E. of Noblin and Associates LLC provided a presentation on reserves and construction needs of condominiums in the New England area. Ralph addressed major repairs on a high rise in the Boston area. Numerous questions were raised regarding contractors and the repair process.
The group was bussed from Peabody to a 50-60 Longwood Association in Brookline. The Japan group was interested in touring a high rise association that has undertaken major renovations. 50-60 Longwood was the perfect location to illustrate such renovations. The property is managed by Thayer and Associates.
Thayer and associates has a long history of in managing property in New England.
Holding Key No. 15, the late Harry A. Gilbert was one of the first Certified Property Managers (CPM) in the country. In 1932, he established the real estate firm, The Gilbert Companies, Inc.
Three generations of Gilbert's family have owned and operated the business, including his grandson and current Owner, Douglas Gilbert Thayer CPM. In 1987, Thayer acquired the company and incorporated Thayer & Associates, Inc. Douglas Gilbert Thayer CPM. was the 1991 IREM Chapter President.
Thayer & Associates continues to serve many of the clients it acquired in 1987 from the Gilbert Companies, currently managing more than 50 residential and commercial properties consisting of nearly 5,000 units.
The company is distinguished by a history of high stability, high quality service and enduring relationships with its clients.
The following press release outlines the presentation that Douglas Gilbert Thayer CPM performed for the group on the renovations at the property.