Local From Way Back

Founded in 1958, Horning is known throughout the national capital region as a hometown firm that specializes in collaborative development and engaged management. Based on its founders’ beliefs in service, empowerment, collaboration, and integrity, Horning’s reputation and successes are built through partnerships with communities and service to residential and commercial customers.

For us, it’s less about the size of the portfolio or our rate of growth, and more about our process of investing in neighborhoods, and being an engaged local partner. Anchored by integrity, dedicated to inclusivity and partnership, and focused on caring attention to children and families, Horning creates vibrant communities where neighbors and businesses find places to grow and flourish.

Our Story

Brothers and native Washingtonians Joseph (Joe) and Larry Horning founded their real estate company on a vision to build more than apartments and businesses. Based on their beliefs in community, empowerment, collaboration, and integrity, Horning’s successes are built with partnerships and service to residential and commercial customers and the neighborhoods we call home.

Over more than 60 years, Horning has worked in almost every ward in the District, and in neighborhoods outside the Capital Beltway, to create apartment and retail development, including 4,300 housing units and 350,000 square feet of retail. Anchored by integrity, dedicated to inclusivity, and committed to giving back to children and families, Horning creates vibrant places where residents and businesses grow and flourish. Read more about Joe Horning, who has recently passed.

Our Story

Brothers and native Washingtonians Joseph and Larry Horning founded their real estate company with a vision to build more than apartments and businesses. They saw their first project, The Chesapeake, as a community that would cement their aspirations for excellence and care in every enterprise. 

Over more than 60 years, Horning has worked in almost every ward in the District, and in neighborhoods outside the Capital Beltway, to create apartment and retail development, including 4,300 housing units and 350,000 square feet of retail. Anchored by integrity, dedicated to inclusivity, and committed to giving back to children and families, Horning creates vibrant places where residents and businesses grow and flourish.

Our Values

Community Focus

We are part of the communities we live in. We focus on customer service and caring for neighbors and employees as family.

Empowerment

We empower our people to take initiative and grow in their professions and careers.

Integrity

We conduct business with integrity and act in a fair and ethical manner.

Collaboration

We believe that collaboration with our partners, vendors and residents benefits us all.

Giving Back

Giving back is embedded in Horning DNA, grounded in founder Joseph Horning’s belief that that it is not enough to build economic assets—we must also build and strengthen our neighborhoods, empower our neighbors, and make the city a better place for all.

Decades ago, Horning established childcare centers and after school enrichment programs in several of the apartment communities it developed. Later the philanthropic arm of the business, the Horning Family Foundation, would come to provide nearly $1 million in grants annually for services to children and families.

Recent gifts include the donation of land and $10 million in seed money to join with nonprofit partners Martha’s Table and Community of Hope to create The Commons at Stanton Square, a collaboration that provides nutrition, education, and mental health services to neighbors in D.C.’s Ward 8. 

Horning also is an enthusiastic supporter of City Year, Rebuilding Together of DC, and GALA Theater. Staff members and associates are supported and encouraged in their efforts to volunteer in their communities.

If you would like to learn more about the Horning Family Foundation, click here.

Employees helping out the community at Horning in Washington, District of Columbia
Employees helping out the community at Horning in Washington, District of Columbia
Employees helping out the community at Horning in Washington, District of Columbia
Employees helping out the community at Horning in Washington, District of Columbia

Giving Back

Giving back is embedded in Horning DNA, grounded in founder Joseph Horning’s belief that that it is not enough to build economic assets—we must also build and strengthen our neighborhoods, empower our neighbors, and make the city a better place for all.

Decades ago, Horning established childcare centers and after school enrichment programs in several of the apartment communities it developed. Later the philanthropic arm of the business, the Horning Family Fund, would come to provide nearly $1 million in grants annually for services to children and families.

Recent gifts include the donation of land and $10 million in seed money to join with nonprofit partners Martha’s Table and Community of Hope to create The Commons at Stanton Square, a collaboration that provides nutrition, education, and mental health services to neighbors in D.C.’s Ward 8. 

Horning also is an enthusiastic supporter of City Year, Rebuilding Together of DC, and GALA Theater. Staff members and associates are supported and encouraged in their efforts to volunteer in their communities.

Say Hello to Home

Custom graphic at Horning in Washington, District of Columbia