ABOUT APEX
Apex Building Group, Inc. (Apex) is a Harlem-based developer and MBE-certified contractor, adding top-quality living and working spaces to all boroughs of New York City. Founded in 1997, we have decades of experience that we put into practice with every task. Guided by Robert Horsford (the third generation of a real estate family) and Lee Brathwaite (a long-standing industry professional), our promise to the tri-state community is to always deliver the highest quality of work in residential and commercial properties.
Community structures like the new Brotherhood Sister Sol headquarters at 512 West 143rd Street are a part of how Apex shows its commitment to people and the spaces they call home. As Harry Belafonte said, “The Brotherhood Sister Sol is one of the most unique youth development organizations in the country.” And Apex is proud to have built their new home. As BroSis themselves put it, “It is a space for educating, organizing, and training the field to advance social justice. Our new building is an expanded state-of-the-art site for our children and the community and a model for the educational field.”
Recently recognized for our accomplishments in The New York Times and Crain’s, our staff has completed over $1.1 billion in construction projects. This work has resulted in the creation or preservation of over 7,400 affordable housing units throughout New York and New Jersey. Our motto is to always provide the highest quality work at the most reasonable cost, and maintain long-standing relationships with the communities we serve.
APEX Values
Reliability at APEX
Our number one priority is to always provide the best service at reasonable prices. From towering new skyscrapers to the smallest of apartment rehabs, we deliver.
Experience at APEX
Our years of experience (over 30 years) give us a keen eye to anticipate challenges and prepare for them, keeping everything on track and on schedule. Our connections in the field, along with a proven track record, make us the right partners to help make your potential project a reality.
Responsiveness at APEX
The always growing, flexible staff of Apex is excited to tackle projects great and small. That excitement translates into constant focus on our work and quick responses. We provide regular updates to our clients and always make sure that their needs are met.
Experience at APEX
Our years of experience (over 30 years) give us a keen eye to anticipate challenges and prepare for them, keeping everything on track and on schedule. Our connections in the field, along with a proven track record, make us the right partners to help make your potential project a reality.
Safety First at APEX
Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our clients and our crews. We go above and beyond OSHA standards to set our own series of safety guidelines that guarantee everyone involved in an Apex project is taken care of to the best of our ability.
Community at APEX
Harlem, New York City, and the surrounding areas have shown a great deal of love to the Apex community throughout our three decades of service. Through our work, we do our part to hopefully return the favor, strengthening with new construction and revitalizing with rehabilitations that make us proud to say they are Apex projects.
Environmental at APEX
We know that adjusting to the latest environmental standards and building sustainable structures are important to keeping the New York City area thriving. That’s why we are committed to utilizing green, energy-efficient, renewable materials that conserve resources, reduce waste, and lower our carbon footprint.
Energy
- Passive House Standards
- Geothermal Technology
- On-site Solar PV
- LED Lighting
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
- Automatic control devices to maximize energy savings
Water
- Low Flow Fixtures
- Efficient Irrigation
- Rainwater regeneration
Air
- Air pollution from Dust and Pests
- VOC Free
- Ventilation
- Air Quality
- Tobacco Free
- Asbestos Free
Waste
- Biodigester / recycling hub
- Waste sorting signage
EPA: Lead Paint Hazards Awareness
- Lead Safety Training Materials
- FAQ per Consent Decree
- Lead, Asbestos, PCBs and Mercury Safe Projects
- VOC reduction in construction materials
Social at APEX
It is through connecting with local organizations that we are best able to work with them. Whether it is providing homes (new or rehabbed) for those who need them, or building a social center, our goal is to put our skills and tools to work in improving communities.
Vendor Diversity & Inclusion (MWBE)
- M/WBE and SDVOB subcontracting opportunities
- Diverse Office and Job Site Staff
- Hire Diverse/Local Vendors
- Local Hiring of Community Residents
Targeted Tenant Amenities
- Accessible and Inclusive Design
- Local Arts and Murals
- Laundry
- Bike Storage
- Fitness Center
- Child Daycare
- Community Rooms
Health & Well-Being
- Non-Smoking Policies
- Access to Nature
- Indoor Air Quality
- Fitness / Exercise Room
- Sound attenuation / Sound absorbing
Local Community
- Support local schools with annual school supplies funding support
- Affordability
GOVERNANCE AT APEX
We are an equal-opportunity employer, always seeking to utilize the varied skills of our employees. We hire regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation because it is through our differences that we are able to build a community that better understands and represents the people we work to aid.
Tracking & Reporting
- Track ESG Initiatives
- AMEEP Con Ed Participating Contractor
Education & Innovation
- FAQ on Lead Paint Hazards and Renovations
Leadership
Robert Horsford
President and Chairman
Robert Horsford (President and Chairman) - Robert is a third-generation real estate professional, who studied under his immigrant entrepreneur grandfather, Victor Horsford (founder of Victor Horsford Realty Corp.). Robert received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Structural Civil Engineering and Business Management from Brown University. After serving as project manager for Verizon Global Construction and project engineer at Gilbane Building Company, he founded Apex in 1997. The company has gone on to complete over $1.1 billion in new and moderate construction, adding or preserving more than 7,400 affordable residential units within New York and New Jersey. On the development side, Apex has completed over $65 million in mixed-used and residential housing. Rob serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Harlem Real Estate Board and NY State Association for Affordable Housing.
Lee Brathwaite
Chief Executive Officer
Lee A. Brathwaite (Chief Executive Officer) - Lee came to Apex with three decades of experience in the real estate industry. Lee has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Syracuse University and an MBA from Baruch College. Lee also served as First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force as a Bioenvironmental Engineer. He was Vice President of Real Estate at Prudential, where his responsibilities included overall strategy, transactions, facilities management, and lease accounting. He was also Managing Director and Global Chief Administrative Officer for Citigroup Realty Services, leading regional and global real estate teams, as well as managing the company’s 76 million square foot portfolio that made up a $3 billion operating budget. Now at Apex, Lee oversees the general direction of the firm. He makes sure that Apex maintains healthy relationships with its clients, finds the best opportunities, and puts its best foot forward.
Accreditation
MBE Certifications
NYC Dept. of Small Business Services
Empire State Development
Bonding
Up to $100 million
Insurance
General Commercial Liability
Workers Compensation
Automobile Liability