What The Green Cities Company Is All About
The Green Cities Company has been shaking up the real estate investment management scene for over a decade now. It’s not just about buildings and dollars here — it’s about blending environmental, social, and investment value into one powerful mix. This company brings a fresh perspective to real estate, focusing on innovation and impact in equal measure.
The Main Benefit: Driving Value with Purpose
Here’s what sets The Green Cities Company apart:
- Over 10 years of experience in real estate investment management
- Portfolio includes Value-Add, Build-to-Core, and Core investment strategies
- In-house operational and construction expertise for hands-on property management
- Robust ESG strategy that enhances asset value and benefits communities
- Best-in-class ESG reporting ensuring transparency and industry leadership
- Properties located in vibrant, growth markets across the United States
- B Corp score of 108.9, reflecting strong commitment to social and environmental standards
Investment Management with a Broader Perspective
The Green Cities Company doesn’t just invest — it manages a diverse portfolio of real estate strategies. Whether it’s Value-Add, Build-to-Core, or Core investments, the company brings a unique blend of skills to the table. Their in-house operational and construction teams mean they’re not just investors but active managers, ensuring each property reaches its full potential. This hands-on approach gives them a broader perspective that benefits every asset under their care.
ESG: More Than Just a Buzzword
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are at the heart of The Green Cities Company’s strategy. They don’t just tick boxes — they integrate ESG deeply into their operations, driving real value into their assets while making a positive impact on communities. Their ESG reporting is transparent and top-notch, setting a high bar for the industry and keeping partners fully informed. It’s a win-win: better assets and better communities.
Properties That Speak Volumes
The portfolio is as diverse as it is impressive. From multifamily to mixed-use assets, The Green Cities Company targets growth markets across the U.S. Take ZO in Oakland’s trendy Lake Merritt neighborhood — it’s got everything: a BART station, scenic trails, parks, restaurants, shops, and entertainment all just blocks away. Then there’s Bower, right next to the iconic Fenway Park, packed with food, drink, and transit options. The Eddy offers 258 apartment units plus retail space and proudly holds LEED Gold certification. Meanwhile, 5 MLK in Portland’s Central Eastside boasts 220 apartments, extensive commercial office and retail space, and certifications like LEED Gold, Fitwel, and Salmon Safe. These properties aren’t just buildings; they’re vibrant communities.
Impacting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Mission and Legacy: A Foundation Built on Expertise
The mission is clear: cultivate competitive returns through a unique blend of proprietary data analysis, vertically integrated in-house expertise, and innovative environmental and social strategies. The Green Cities Company didn’t just pop up overnight — it evolved from Gerding Edlen, a Portland-based development-focused investor founded in 1996. The Managing Partners — Molly Bordonaro, Brent Gaulke, and Kelly Saito — bring decades of combined experience from their time at Gerding Edlen, leading advances in development, acquisitions, capital markets, and investment management. This legacy fuels their forward-thinking approach today.
