Matthew J. Pavlakovich,
LEED AP O+M
Property manager, Unico Properties and
2020 Denver Metro BOMA President
While Denver a century ago looked dramatically different than today’s burgeoning top-tier city that’s attracted millions of square feet of new real estate development, trailblazing companies and thousands of new residents, it’s worth acknowledging – and celebrating – the foundation it laid for our modern growth.
When Union Station first opened in 1881, it was a depot for more than 80 trains a day carrying families, merchants, laborers and business leaders into and out of Denver. Today, Union Station and the surrounding developments carry on a legacy marked by entrepreneurship, collaboration and commerce that continue to push us forward as a city.
Along a vibrant and humming Platte Street, preserved and renovated historic properties mingle with forward-thinking mixed-use developments. This thoughtful combination of old and new has ushered in a renewed sense of innovation and energy along with fresh architectural possibilities.
And for all that’s changed since the Denver Association of Building Owners and Managers was formed in affiliation with the National Association of Building Owners and Managers (now BOMA) in the 1920s, one thing remains constant: Denver’s vast network of building owners and property managers are actively committed to promoting a culture of service that supports the next generation of residents and tenants.
Since I joined Denver Metro BOMA, I’ve been fortunate to witness the association grow to represent nearly 80% – or 90 million square feet – of Denver’s commercial real estate.
I’ve also experienced the many ways that Denver Metro BOMA’s education and advocacy efforts have optimized the value of our members’ assets by fighting for – or against – local and statewide initiatives, issues and legislation that impact the commercial real estate industry and our members’ livelihood. This includes influencing Denver’s Green Building Ordinance, which went into effect in 2018, in addition to protecting the interests of our members – and public safety of our communities – by leading a hard-fought battle against Initiative 300 in 2019.
Now, as Denver Metro BOMA’s president in 2020, I’m eager to pursue a new agenda – Vision 2020: A Century of Service – that will help Denver build toward an even brighter future.
I’m optimistic we’ll accomplish this by:
Developing a pipeline of emerging professionals. In a job market that’s as fiercely competitive as Denver, it’s our responsibility to cultivate an energetic and professional population of commercial real estate professionals. By partnering with local universities and their real estate programs, we can share experiences, offer networking opportunities and provide valuable resources that will help the next generation thrive in a professional real estate environment. This also will support Denver Metro BOMA’s goal of growing our principal firm membership in 2020.
Voicing our opinion. Even though Denver voters handed Initiative 300 a defeat at the ballot box last spring, the conversation – and an effective solution to do better by our neighbors experiencing homelessness – remains top of mind throughout the community. Denver Metro BOMA will continue to advocate for commonsense resolutions that allow our building owner and manager members to ensure the safety and well-being of their residents, tenants and buildings, while also thoughtfully caring for a population in need.
Having fun. From Denver Metro BOMA’s annual sporting clay and golf tournaments to our award celebrations, our programming and events are a great (and fun) way to network and grow your connections throughout the commercial real estate community. I encourage members, both new and established, to get involved as often as possible.
2020 marks a new chapter – and a new century – for Denver Metro BOMA. As the oldest commercial real estate association in the area, we are in a unique position to build upon our history of protecting the rights and bottom lines of our building owner and manager members.
