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Although our present Company is now celebrating it 70th year, it's roots
extend back to the turn of the 20th century when brothers
William E. Lehman and Jack H. Lehman formed their first realty investment
firm, Aetna Realty Company, which subsequently played an important role in
the development of Newark, New Jersey.
In December, 1927, members of the Lehman family and other outstanding
local business leaders decided to pool their real estate holdings to form a
company that would be a major factor in the field of real estate investment
and management. Thus was born the United States Realty & Investment
Company ("U.S. Realty"). U.S. Realty was organized at the height of the real
estate boom of the twenties.
During the depression, U.S. Realty met all of it's obligations and, with the
cooperation of the banks and insurance companies, managed to avoid
foreclosures on any of it's properties. During these difficult times, the officers
served without salary, and U.S Realty was managed by Aentna Realty
Company, it's major stockholders for $10,000 to $15,000 per annum which
included rent, telephone, secretarial and accounting services. This
arrangement was ended in 1941.
In 1980, consistent with the Company's philosophy of growth and success, it purchased the largest contiguous site in
Monmouth County, New Jersey. One hundred thirty - six acres of land slated for future development as a mixed use
commercial and retail project named Seaview Corporate Park. In 1983, the Company purchased what was the first
industrial headquarters of Westinghouse Electric Company in the United States. Located at 95 Orange Street,
Newark, New Jersey, a 500,000 square foot building on a four and one-half acre site to be developed into a
successful mixed use complex.
With the Company's commitment to the City of Newark firmly in place, the acquisition and total rehabilitation of Ten
Commerce Court was undertaken in 1985. A 123,000 square foot commercial/retail structure located in the heart of
the "Downtown" section. Thus marking the beginning of what is now referred to as the "Renaissance of Newark".
This, in addition to the acquisition of several other "key" commercial office building in the "Renaissance" section of the
City, has solidified the Company's position as one of the principal private investors in the rebirth of the City of
Newark.
We are currently re-developing two (2) of our Shopping Centers located in Salisbury and Brooklyn Park, Maryland.
United States Realty & Investment Company presently holds real estate investments in 16 states. We constantly seek
to expand and continue our efforts to remain in the forefront of real estate technology.
As we face the "Turn of the Century", a dawning of a new era, United States Realty & Investment Company is
emerging as an aggressive, innovative real estate company. As we enter a new age, we believe that "flexibility" will be
the key to future success as we read and react aggressively to the everchanging needs of our society. It is essential
that we continue to implement and expand upon new methods of real estate financing, acquisitions, leasing and
property management in order to ride the crest of financial success into the new century.
Our President, Ivor Braka, has over 30 years experience in real estate investment and management. His early years
were spent as a court appointed receiver, managing bank foreclosed properties. He later began acquiring major
properties throughout the country with innovative creative joint ventures, partnerships, and investment groups. His
portfolio now includes hotels, office buildings, industrial, retail, residential and undeveloped land.
His knowledgeable approach to real estate investment and management including market dynamics, acquisitions value
assessment, detailed due diligence, comprehensive asset management, sophisticated alternate yield, and strategic
market positioning, professional space managing, as well as portfolio diversification and maturation has assured the
success of his properties.
Mr Braka has long realized the potential of urban land value and has been involved in a variety of inner-city real estate
acquisitions and renovations. He continues to invest in the futures of cities performing of depressed real property
assets.
United States Realty, with great dedication and inspiration from our officers; Ivor Braka, President, Gerard J.
Valerius, Vice President/Director of Real Estate, David Braka, Vice President, Benjamin M. Braka, Vice President
and associates with approach the future with limitless enthusiasm and total optimism that our success and
achievements will continue....for many years to come.
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