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 65 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 4,800 housing units and 450,000 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.
Social Impact
At Horning, giving back is more than a concept: it’s a fundamental part of who we are. Inspired by founder Joe Horning’s belief that building economic assets must go hand in hand with strengthening neighborhoods, we are committed to creating lasting community impact across Washington and the surrounding region.
Our dedication to children, families, and inclusive community development began decades ago with the creation of childcare centers and after-school programs in the apartment communities we developed. This mission was expanded through the Horning Family Foundation, which provided nearly $1 million in annual grants to organizations serving youth and families. While the foundation is not currently active, its legacy continues to support the communities it touched.
Horning’s recent philanthropic initiatives include a transformative land donation and $10 million in seed funding to help launch The Commons at Stanton Square, a partnership with Martha’s Table and Community of Hope. Located in Ward 8 of Washington, D.C., The Commons provides vital services including early childhood education, mental health support, and nutrition programs for local families.
We are also proud to support impactful organizations such as:
- City Year Washington, D.C.
- Rebuilding Together D.C.
- GALA Hispanic Theatre
At Horning, community involvement is a company-wide commitment. We encourage and support our employees and partners in their volunteer efforts and engagement with local nonprofits because we want to help communities grow stronger together.
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
