At Optima®, 2024 was a year of achievements, growth, and community celebration. Rooted in our core values of innovative design, sustainability, and vibrant living, we made great strides in our projects, earned prestigious accolades, and fostered a sense of togetherness within our communities. As we embark on 2025, we are excited to carry forward the momentum and continue shaping spaces and experiences that inspire.

Celebrating Excellence: Awards and Recognition
This year, Optima® once again demonstrated its leadership in architecture and design, receiving numerous accolades that celebrate our unwavering dedication to creating exceptional spaces:

  • Green Good Design Award: Honoring Optima Paradise Valley, Optima Lakeview®, and Rising Sun for their exceptional contributions to environmentally conscious architecture.
  • American Architecture Award: Acknowledging the visionary designs of Optima Paradise Valley, Stagecoach, and Rising Sun as leading examples of modern architecture.
  • International Architecture Award: Recognizing the global impact of Rising Sun, Stagecoach, and Optima Paradise Valley in setting new design standards.
  • Architecture MasterPrize: Celebrating Optima Verdana® for its outstanding design and innovation in creating a dynamic living experience.
  • Design Evanston 25-Year Architecture Award: Honoring 840 Michigan for its enduring architectural significance.
  • Multi-Housing News Excellence Award for Design & Development – MidRise: Recognizing Optima Verdana® as a standout example of exceptional development in the mid-rise category.

These awards underscore the values that drive Optima®—thoughtful, sustainable, and innovative architecture that seamlessly blends form and function. Each project showcases our ability to harmonize modernist principles with the natural environment, creating spaces that inspire and enrich lives.

Team Optima at the NAA Apartmentalize 2024

Projects and Communities: Building for the Future
2024 was a landmark year for projects and properties across the Optima® portfolio. Optima Verdana® and 7190 Optima Kierland Apartments successfully stabilized their lease-ups, marking a major milestone in their journey to becoming thriving, vibrant communities. In Wilmette, Optima Lumina™ was officially approved by the Village, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in design and community development.

Construction began on Building 2 at Optima McDowell Mountain, the first apartment tower of this new Scottsdale project, which is set to deliver next year. The future of this innovative community continues to evolve, as we are equally thrilled to begin sales on Building 3 in 2025.

Our properties also welcomed two exciting new commercial tenants:

  • GoodVets at Optima Lakeview, bringing top-tier pet care to the community.
  • Reform Studios at Optima Signature, offering residents unique, innovative Pilates experiences.

These partnerships underscore our commitment to creating dynamic environments where residents and businesses thrive together.

Celebrating Our People and Culture
At the heart of Optima® is a culture that celebrates community, creativity, and collaboration. In 2024, our founder, David Hovey Sr., received an honorary Doctor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology, a testament to his remarkable contributions to the field of architecture.

And we proudly participated in a range of events that brought our teams and residents together:

  • The 46th Annual Highland Park Run, celebrating fitness and local engagement.
  • Festive gatherings for Cinco de Mayo, International Women’s Day, and the Optima® Summer Olympics.
  • Creative competitions like the Halloween Costume Contest and Pumpkin Carving Contest that showcased community spirit.
  • Heartwarming Holiday Parties in Arizona and Illinois.
  • Giving back through initiatives like Feed My Starving Children, reflecting our commitment to making a positive impact beyond our properties.

We also participated in industry events, such as the Apartmentalize Conference, to stay connected and inspired by broader trends in design and community living.

Looking Ahead: Ambitions for 2025
As we gear up for 2025, our team is energized by the possibilities ahead. We’re excited to begin work on Optima Lumina™ in Wilmette, which promises to elevate the standard for design and sustainability in the area. In Scottsdale, we’re thrilled to launch sales for Building 3 at Optima McDowell Mountain, continuing our legacy of integrating luxury living with the stunning desert landscape.

Beyond our projects, we look forward to growing our team and fostering success together. With each new project, tenant partnership, and community initiative, we remain committed to creating environments that embody our values of modernism, sustainability, and connection.

Continuing the Journey
As we step into 2025, we are reminded of the incredible momentum we’ve built and the exciting journey that lies ahead. Each award, project, and celebration has been a reflection of our collective commitment to excellence. At Optima®, every step we take is rooted in the belief that great design can transform lives and communities.

Here’s to an extraordinary 2024 and an even brighter 2025—thank you for being a part of our story. Together, we will continue shaping spaces that inspire and thrive. Stay tuned for more exciting updates, and we’ll see you in the new year!

Thank you to our residents, team members, and partners for being an integral part of this journey. Together, we are building more than just places to live — we are creating a legacy of timeless design and vibrant living that will endure for generations to come. Here’s to an exciting year ahead!