We are thrilled to share that EYA co-founders Bob Youngentob and Terry Eakin were inducted into NAHB’s esteemed Best in American Living Hall of Fame last week at the International Builders' Show in Las Vegas. As part of the 40th Anniversary class, Bob and Terry, along with the other inductees, were recognized nationally for demonstrating their talents through advocacy, innovation, creativity and residential design excellence.
This award celebrates the profound impact and legacy our EYA founders have had on not only the greater Washington area, but also the industry at large. Since 1992, EYA has remained steadfast in its focus on building distinctly special neighborhoods in the Washington area. Yet this award highlights EYA's contribution to the building industry across the country and places them among previous inductees and industry luminaries including Bill Pulte, Bob Toll and Herbert Kohler.
In their acceptance speeches, Bob and Terry shared the joy, pride and purpose EYA has given them over the decades. They reflected on the incredible team and culture that sustains EYA, the innovative designs that define our communities and the significance of our mixed-income work in addressing the affordable housing shortage. Both Bob and Terry also spoke of the strength and importance of their personal and professional partnership, which has always been a model for collaboration at EYA.
In his video acceptance remarks, Bob said: "Nothing gives me more joy than to walk back through our communities and see how we have positively impacted the lives of our homeowners." He also highlighted his passion for creating mixed-income housing and working to solve the affordable housing crisis. His message to builders across the country: "I want to encourage everyone in the home building industry to continue to innovate and focus on delivering homes at all income levels...We do have a housing crisis in our country and it will take all of us to continue to bring that passion, hard work and creativity to help solve the problem." Watch Bob's full video acceptance speech below.
The high-density infill housing model Bob and Terry pioneered has undoubtedly shaped the way developers and builders nationwide approach development sites. Without their incredible vision, creativity, persistence, and business acumen, Washington and the entire industry wouldn’t be the same. Coming just two weeks after the opening of EYA's 50th neighborhood, the timing of this recognition couldn’t have been more fitting.
EYA team members joined the celebration in recognition of this incredibly well-deserved award. Bob and Terry, congratulations on your achievement from the entire EYA team. We are all incredibly proud to be part of the EYA family!