Our History

In 2004, Home Properties (primarily a residential apartment company) spun off its affordable housing and commercial property management and development activities back to its founders, Norman and Nelson Leenhouts.  Effective in 2006, these activities were then divided to accommodate family interests and estates planning activities, with Nelson’s family focusing on affordable housing through Home Leasing, and Norman’s family focusing on commercial real estate through a newly formed company called Broadstone Real Estate, LLC. 

Broadstone Real Estate is owned by Norman Leenhouts; along with husband and wife team Bob and Amy Tait, (Amy Tait is Norman Leenhouts’ daughter). Bob Tait, who was previously President of Home Leasing Corporation, heads operations as President of Broadstone Real Estate.  Norman Leenhouts and Amy Tait serve as Chairman and CEO, respectively, while continuing with their community and business commitments.

The company manages and controls Clinton Square, the Piano Works, Southview Commons, Park Ridge Office Building, Unity Ridgeway Medical Office Building and the Broadstone Net Lease portfolio. It also manages The Park at Allens Creek for other owners.

Total assets under management will exceed 2.6 million square feet. Broadstone Real Estate seeks to grow further through management, development and acquisition of commercial and other investment properties on a regional and national basis. “With such a substantial portfolio and 40 employees already in place, we have a terrific platform from which we can grow this organization,” says President, Bob Tait.

The Early Years

Home Leasing was formed in 1967 by brothers Norman & Nelson Leenhouts. During the first 25 or so years of the company the Leenhout’s built the company in a number of areas creating a diversified portfolio of real estate properties.

Prior to 1994, Home Leasing Corporation was the Managing General Partner of this diversified portfolio of real estate properties. After its Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) in 1994, Home Properties purchased the apartment business from Home Leasing Corporation and took over the management of its other commercial properties. Home Properties successfully expanded its ownership of apartments from 3,991 units at the IPO to over 45,000 units.

From its beginning in 1994 through December 31, 2003, Nelson and Norman Leenhouts were the Co-CEO’s and Co-Chairmen of Home Properties. In 2011, the Leenhouts retired as Co-Chairmen of the Board of Directors of Home Properties.