The Greater Philadelphia Real Estate Hall of Fame recently announced the induction of five individuals for their exceptional contributions to the region’s real estate landscape, including Charlie Walters, co-founder of the Logan Township-based Pureland Group.
As leader of the Pureland Group, Walters is responsible for the marketing, construction and financing of the 3,000-acre Pureland Industrial Complex, as well as other development projects throughout the tri-state region of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. During Walters’ tenure at Pureland, the complex has grown from two buildings of 160,000 square feet with three tenants to over 133 buildings containing more than 18 million square feet, with 187 tenants. He has negotiated leases for over 20 million square feet of industrial, office and flex space. He has negotiated and secured financing for over $600 million worth of property. He has consulted on real estate matters to a number of public and privately held companies.
The Greater Philadelphia Hall of Fame is an organization established to annually recognize exceptional professionals in commercial real estate. The inaugural group of inductees are legends in the industry, led distinguished careers that span decades and have had a lasting impact.
The remaining inductees are:
- Kevin Flynn Sr., founder of the Flynn Co., a Philadelphia real estate firm;
- Fred Jaindl, founder of the Jaindl Land Co., an Allentown development company (posthumously);
- Bob Johnson, partner with Stevens & Johnson LLC, an Allentown law firm; and
- Joseph Zuritsky, chairman of Parkway Corp., a Philadelphia parking and development company.
“The response from the commercial real estate community to this newly established organization and its mission has been tremendous. It speaks to the void the Greater Philadelphia Hall of Fame is filling to annually recognize industry leaders who have demonstrated the dynamism represented in these five individuals,” Jim Petrucci, board member of the Greater Philadelphia Real Estate Hall of Fame and president of Asbury-based J.G. Petrucci Co. said. “These Hall of Fame inductees have led professional careers marked by vision, dedication and tenacity. They have profoundly impacted the Lehigh Valley, Philadelphia, and South Jersey, driving economic growth and revitalizing communities. Honoring these exceptional individuals is a privilege.”
“It is terrific to see the Greater Philadelphia Real Estate Hall of Fame honor the inaugural group of inductees,” John Begier, CEO of Seagis, said. “These individuals have long set the standard for excellence in our industry, and their contributions have significantly impacted the commercial real estate landscape in our region. The establishment of The Greater Philadelphia Real Estate Hall of Fame is an exciting initiative that celebrates their exceptional work and achievements.”
As part of the program, the inductees have identified charities to receive a gift in their name. Those charities are:
- Ashley Addiction Treatment;
- The Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley;
- Tunnel to Towers Foundation;
- Wills Eye Hospital;
- Wounded Warrior Project.
A celebratory Hall of Fame dinner and official induction ceremony is scheduled for Oct. 9 at Philadelphia Country Club in Gladwyne.
