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NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, has selected Ryan Companies US, Inc. as its 2026 Developer of the Year – the association’s highest honor. The award will be presented during NAIOP’s fall conference this October in Denver.

“We are deeply honored and incredibly grateful to NAIOP for naming Ryan Companies as the 2026 Developer of the Year, a recognition that validates our long-term strategy, and our ability to adapt and thrive across economic cycles while delivering with excellence for our clients,” said Brian Murray, chief executive officer, Ryan Companies. “This prestigious award is a testament to our 1,700 team members nationwide, whose collective dedication, innovation and passion are what bring our culture and values to life every day.”

Founded in 1938, Ryan Companies has grown into one of North America’s leading commercial real estate firms, delivering transformative projects across the industrial, housing, mission critical, healthcare, office, retail, senior living and mixed-use sectors. The company’s fully integrated platform spans development, architecture, engineering, construction, investment and property management, allowing Ryan to deliver innovative, end-to-end solutions in markets throughout the United States.

Ryan was selected for its strong track record of innovation, sustainable development, community engagement, philanthropy and industry leadership, as well as its long-standing commitment to fostering a people-first company culture.

“Ryan Companies exemplifies the qualities this award is intended to recognize – innovation, leadership, vision and meaningful community impact,” said Marc Selvitelli, CAE, president and CEO of NAIOP. “For decades, Ryan has helped shape the commercial real estate industry through transformative development, forward-thinking sustainability initiatives and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Their integrated approach, strong company culture and ability to create lasting value across markets make them an exemplary model for the industry and a truly deserving recipient of NAIOP’s highest honor.”

Ryan’s portfolio includes several landmark developments that have reshaped communities and created long-term economic value. Among the company’s most notable projects is Highland Bridge in St. Paul, Minnesota, which redeveloped the former Ford Motor Company assembly plant into a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood featuring housing, retail, office space, healthcare and parks. The development has become a national model for sustainable urban redevelopment and community-centered planning.

In Austin, Texas, Ryan developed Oracle’s waterfront corporate campus, a transformative project that helped reinforce Austin’s emergence as a leading technology hub while creating a dynamic workplace environment focused on wellness, flexibility and innovation.

Ryan also partnered with Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives to develop Pullman Crossings on Chicago’s South Side, transforming a long-vacant industrial site into a thriving logistics and business park that has generated substantial job creation and investment within the historic Pullman community.

Sustainability and resilience are central to Ryan’s development philosophy. The company has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 for its operations and projects under its financial control, while advancing lower-carbon construction practices, resilient design strategies and renewable energy integration across its portfolio. Ryan has also played a leadership role in industrywide sustainability collaborations and decarbonization initiatives.

Beyond development, Ryan Companies is recognized for its strong culture of philanthropy and employee engagement. Through its RyanGivesBack program and other initiatives, the company supports organizations focused on wellness, shelter and education, while encouraging employees to contribute their time, expertise and resources to the communities where they live and work.

Ryan and its employees have maintained deep involvement with NAIOP at both the North American and chapter levels for decades. Company leaders have served in NAIOP leadership positions, participated in National Forums, supported Developing Leaders programs and contributed to numerous industry initiatives and events.

Since 1979, the NAIOP Developer of the Year award has been presented annually to a development company that best exemplifies leadership, innovation and positive impact within the commercial real estate industry. Ryan Companies was selected by a panel of experienced developers based on criteria including adaptation, community relations, company culture, financial success, innovation, philanthropy, sustainability and NAIOP involvement.