Revitalizing Main Streets
Transforming Communities
At GRAVA Properties we own, develop, and manage commercial and residential real estate in the Greater Hartford Area.
What We Do
GRAVA Properties specializes in the acquisition, development, and management of mixed-use, commercial, and multi-family properties. With a core focus on urban infill, GRAVA is committed to revitalizing our historic town centers by creating vibrant and sustainable living and business spaces. Our expertise delivers innovative solutions to complex real estate transactions that redefine the standards of quality downtown development.
“At GRAVA, every opportunity starts with engaging local communities to deliver on our common vision: to develop sustainable, walkable, and contextual properties that enhance the character of their environment. We believe that a return to traditional development patterns is essential to support a vibrant, diverse and inclusive environment.”
Our Core Principles
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We prioritize people-centric design that respects the unique character of each community.
By incorporating input from residents, businesses, and local stakeholders, we ensure that our developments enhance the social fabric of the neighborhoods they inhabit.
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Recognizing the importance of accessible and efficient transportation, we focus on transit-oriented development to create well-connected urban spaces.
By strategically locating our projects near transit hubs, we aim to reduce dependence on private vehicles and promote a walkable, bike-friendly lifestyle.
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We embrace sustainable development practices to minimize our ecological footprint.
From green building technologies to energy-efficient infrastructure, our projects are designed to contribute positively to the environment and create a more resilient urban landscape.
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We respect the historical and cultural heritage of the areas in which we operate. Through contextual urban infill and adaptive reuse and preservation of existing structures, we strive to integrate the past into the present, ensuring that our developments contribute to the continuity and identity of the community.
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Inspired by the insights of Jane Jacobs and Charles Montgomery into the relationship between urban design and human happiness, we prioritize the well-being of residents.
Our community-centric developments are designed to promote social interaction, health, and a sense of joy, fostering a positive living experience for all.
Founders Square
106 Residential Units & ~11,500 Sq ft of Retail Space.
- Windsor, Connecticut
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Founders Square is the ongoing revitalization of Historic Windsor Center’s most central site. Once the area’s most visible block of handsome historic buildings, the site was leveled during the 1950s and 1960s to make way for an auto-centric strip mall typical of post-war American suburbia.
The development consists of three building volumes that preserve some existing retail structures, replace the historic street wall seen from Broad Street, and repopulate a site that had previously fallen into decline.
The site is 500 feet from the Town’s Amtrak/Hartford Line Train Station, a short walk from the Farmington River boat launch and several public parks, and surrounded by a plethora of urban amenities.
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The first phases of Founders Square are comprised of studio and one bedroom apartments with walk-in closets, high-end finishes and design, and in-unit washer/dryer units. With varying layouts to choose from, there are units with dens, balconies and large outdoor patios to choose from.
Employing the latest in green building technology, there are no fossil fuels burned inside or outside the units, creating superior indoor air quality and lower utility bills for tenants.
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Founders Square boasts a rich amenity package for tenants that augments the myriad offerings of the Town Center itself. These include a large lounge and co-working spaces, forward thinking gym, dog park and grooming center, green spaces and grills, and EV-charging and bicycle infrastructure.
The site also boast large retail-adjacent patio areas where tenants can mix with the public while enjoying the project’s retail offerings, just a step from their front door.
Meet our Team
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Founder & PresidentGregory Vaca, founder and President of GRAVA Properties, is a visionary real estate professional with a passion for urban renewal. A graduate of Columbia University, Greg established GRAVA in 2020, specializing in mixed-use and urban infill projects in the Greater Hartford Area. His focus on ground-up multifamily rental development and Transit Oriented Projects reflects a commitment to innovative and sustainable urban living.
Before founding GRAVA, Greg spent 14 years at Tishman Speyer, a global real estate firm, serving in key roles across New York City, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro. During his tenure, he excelled as Chief Operating Officer, overseeing Tishman Speyer's $1 billion Brazil portfolio. His expertise spans acquisitions, development, commercial leasing, property and asset management, dispositions, and fundraising.
With a wealth of experience and a solid foundation in real estate, Greg Vaca leads GRAVA Properties with a vision for creating vibrant, sustainable communities that redefine urban living in the Greater Hartford Area.
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VP of Innovation - Partner
Richard Conner, VP of Innovation at GRAVA Properties. Has an extensive background in real estate and technology.
Having served as the Director of Digital Innovation and Analytics for a local Credit Union, Richard is strategically leveraging technology to redefine asset management standards. His focus is twofold: boosting returns for investors through cutting-edge solutions and enhancing the overall tenant experience.
Richard envisions a tech-driven approach to asset management that optimizes GRAVA's real estate portfolio, ensuring solid financial returns for investors. Simultaneously, he aims to create tenant-friendly living environments by integrating technology seamlessly into our communities. From smart building solutions to community engagement platforms.
Under Richard's leadership, GRAVA Properties is driving innovation to benefit both investors and residents, reshaping the real estate landscape with a focus on enhanced returns and an unparalleled tenant experience.
