Totem is a Brooklyn-based real estate development and advisory firm committed to sustainable development, community engagement, and environmental responsibility. Rooted in four key pillars—affordability, economic mobility, innovative partnerships, and regenerative design—Totem ensures that every development project it undertakes contributes to equitable and sustainable urban growth. 

The firm’s emphasis on community is reflected in its deliberate efforts to align development with the unique character of the neighborhoods it builds in and the voices of local stakeholders. Every element of the firm’s work embodies a belief in the transformative power of cities, and the opportunities that thoughtful planning and innovative technology can unlock.

Totem’s ability to champion sustainability stems from its seasoned team of professionals with expertise in public policy, nonprofit management, investment attraction, marketing, urban design and revitalization, and community relations. 

This diverse skill set allows the firm to navigate complex processes, such as New York City’s Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) and the City Environmental Quality Review (CEQR), ensuring projects meet high sustainability and equity standards. Totem’s extensive portfolio, encompassing over 2 million square feet and 1,500 housing units, demonstrates its capacity to implement large-scale, impactful developments. Its track record of public-private partnerships further amplifies its resources and influence.

The firm has advanced sustainability through initiatives like the Herkimer-Williams development in Brooklyn’s Broadway Junction, which includes 600 affordable housing units, 120,000 square feet of community space, and 1 million square feet of commercial space, which will generate hundreds of jobs. Similarly, its 187-unit project in Sunset Park transforms a fast food parking lot into essential housing and retail, with nearly 50 affordable units for residents earning $20,000 to $60,000 annually. 

Totem has also partnered with The Campaign Against Hunger to establish a Community Food Hub, supporting the real estate search, case development, and outreach to secure funding. By focusing on local hiring, contracting with minority- and women-owned businesses, and offering workforce development, Totem fosters an inclusive economy. The firm also integrates advanced technologies into its projects to enhance building efficiency and sustainability.

Totem’s long-term commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through its strategic planning and dedication to regenerative design principles. Projects like its development at 1057 Atlantic Avenue integrate permanently affordable housing and community impact funds for local nonprofits, ensuring lasting benefits. 

The firm’s Broadway Junction rezoning builds on years of community visioning, aiming to create a vibrant, equitable urban hub. By consistently prioritizing environmental reviews, sustainable practices, and inclusive economic strategies, Totem ensures that its projects are not only impactful today but also poised to address the challenges of tomorrow. Additionally, the firm fosters public-private partnerships, including business improvement districts (BIDs), to ensure sustainable growth and long-term success.