2024 has been a year of growth, community and innovation at EYA. Our efforts have resulted in positive impacts not just within the company, but more importantly, in the lives of our homeowners and the neighborhoods where we build.
From launching our first two all-electric communities to welcoming over 190 homeowners to their new homes and giving back to local communities, our accomplishments this year further EYA's mission to create distinctly special neighborhoods that positively impact individual lives and communities in a socially responsible way. Below are some highlights from the year.
EYA's townhomes at Reservoir District in Washington, DC
Opened 3 New Neighborhoods
In 2024, EYA opened 3 new communities in the greater Washington area, each embodying EYA’s dedication to providing our homeowners with the best of life within walking distance.
- Reservoir District, Washington, DC: 146 modern new EYA townhomes adjacent to the District of Columbia's new Reservoir Park community recreation center and 6-acre park, preserved historic structures, future onsite retail and much more.
- Northside, Potomac, MD: 85 modern new brownstones just steps to all the Park Potomac retail, restaurants and conveniences.
- The Brownstones at Westbard Square, Bethesda, MD: 101 new brownstones surrounded by new shopping, dining, and neighborhood park space, offering a walkable urban lifestyle in an ideal Bethesda location.
In February 2024, EYA celebrated the opening of its 50th neighborhood—Northside in Potomac, MD
The opening of Northside was a special milestone, as it marked EYA's 50th neighborhood since our founding in 1992. It was also a return to this Montgomery County neighborhood where we previously built some of our most iconic homes, The Brownstones at Park Potomac.
As the company grows and the number of community openings each year continues to increase, we reflected on what it means to be a part of a community opening—how EYA team members come together with a sense of commitment and camaraderie, and how special it is to see future neighbors forging friendships at opening events.
Read more in this blog post by EYA's Vice President of Marketing, Ananth Rao.
Welcomed 190+ New Homeowners
One of our greatest joys is welcoming homeowners to their new homes. This year, we celebrated 190+ homeowners moving into their new homes at EYA communities across the Washington area. Seeing the excitement of our homeowners as they move into their new homes reminds us every day why we love what we do. And we were thrilled to welcome our first residents to their new homes at Tysons Ridge in Northern Virginia and Farmstead District in Rockville, MD!
Fostered Community through Neighbor Connections
Creating opportunities for meaningful connections among neighbors is at the heart of our community building. We take great pride in not only creating beautiful living spaces, but also designing neighborhoods that bring people together. For many, being part of a community is an important factor in wellbeing and happiness and neighborhood communities are among the most important ways that people find lasting personal connections.
One of the ways we foster neighbor connections is through hosting homebuyer events. These events offer opportunities for future neighbors to meet in person and build friendships often before anyone has even moved into the new neighborhood.
"I had a great time. I had been wanting to meet some neighbors and this was the perfect opportunity."
- Tysons Ridge homebuyer
In 2024, we hosted ten homebuyer events, bringing together future neighbors at fun events ranging from happy hours at a local restaurant to onsite food trucks with lawn games.
"Great opportunity to meet future neighbors and it wouldn't be possible if EYA did not facilitate."
- Reservoir District homebuyer
Additionally, this year we introduced a comprehensive Homeowners Association (HOA) Handbook, designed to support HOA leaders in continuing to foster community through events and activities long after the neighborhood has been built. We met with two HOAs of communities that were recently completed to distribute the handbook and answer any questions they may have about how to continue to foster neighbor connections.
Advanced Sustainability Efforts
2024 was a year of innovation and advancement of our sustainability efforts. This year, we launched our first two all-electric communities: Reservoir District and The Brownstones at Westbard Square. All-electric homes can offer many benefits to both homeowners and the environment. These include a reduced dependence on fossil fuels, use of cleaner energy sources, improved safety without the risk of gas leaks, better indoor air quality with fewer pollutants and potential cost savings with highly energy-efficient appliances and home systems. Read this blog post to learn more.
Received National Recognition for Mixed-Income Housing
EYA is committed to creating mixed-income housing and has worked with municipalities and organizations across the DMV to develop vibrant new mixed-income neighborhoods. This year, we were honored to receive the ULI 2024 Jack Kemp Award for Excellence in Affordable and Workforce Housing for The Laureate, a luxury mixed-income multifamily building in Rockville, MD offering 268 apartment units (of which 30% are income-restricted) and state-of-the-art amenities.
The Laureate in Rockville, MD - Winner of the 2024 ULI Jack Kemp Award
The result of a unique joint development between EYA and Bozzuto, in partnership with Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County (HOC), The Laureate provides an innovative approach to public-private partnerships and has set a new standard for excellence in mixed-income multifamily building design.
Read this blog post to learn more.
Gave Back to the Communities Where We Build
While homebuilding is the primary thing we do, building sustainable neighborhoods is what we love. And that means more than welcoming new homeowners—it means giving back in the communities where we build. Through the EYA Foundation, team members participate in a variety of charitable activities throughout the year—from lending our construction expertise to organizations in need of support to arranging volunteer and donation events. The foundation also provides grants to local organizations.
2024 EYA Foundation annual Day of Service at the Salvation Army
For our 2024 EYA Foundation annual Day of Service, we partnered with the Salvation Army to help them prepare for their Angel Tree event, their largest annual event which provides Christmas gifts for children in need. Over 40 EYA employees volunteered at their warehouse helping to sort gifts, prepare gift tags, assemble bikes and stage the warehouse—two weeks worth of work accomplished in one day!
2024 has been a year of growth, community and innovation at EYA. In 2025, we look forward to welcoming additional homeowners to their new EYA homes, continuing to foster community connections, advancing our sustainability efforts and delivering on our promise of offering the best of life within walking distance to Washington area residents.
Happy new year!