Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Affordable Multi-Family Housing Development Since 1974
Since 1974, The Englewood Group has been a leader in affordable multi-family housing development, construction, and property management across Indiana, Arizona, and Illinois. Our team specializes in navigating complex financing tools like the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program to deliver quality, amenity-rich communities tailored to tenant and investor needs. With over 3,100 rental units developed and partnerships with 15+ non-profits, we combine decades of industry experience with a commitment to compliance and sustainability. Our in-house expertise spans site selection, design, construction oversight, and property management, ensuring seamless project execution.Recognized with multiple state-level awards for excellence in property management and maintenance, we maintain rigorous adherence to HUD guidelines and industry standards. Our leadership team brings deep sector knowledge, including specialized certifications in LIHTC compliance and affordable housing asset management. By integrating cost-effective design innovations and energy-efficient materials, we achieve lower operational costs while prioritizing resident satisfaction and long-term investment value. This comprehensive approach has solidified our reputation as a trusted partner in creating sustainable housing solutions nationwide.
Services
Site Selection
Feasibility Analysis
Financing Applications
Property Management
Construction Oversight
Demographics Study
Approvals Permitting
Design Consulting
Land Development
Award-Winning Maintenance
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We have 50+ years of experience in affordable housing development across 3 states
- Our team holds specialized certifications in LIHTC and HUD compliance programs
- We offer end-to-end services from site selection to property management
- Our energy-efficient designs reduce operating costs by 20-30% compared to industry averages
- We maintain 100% compliance with federal housing regulations across 58+ properties
What people say
Award-winning maintenance
Consistent compliance
Energy-efficient designs
Experienced leadership
Community-focused approach
Services
Affordable Housing Development
Our affordable housing development combines 50 years of expertise with innovative financing strategies. We specialize in LIHTC program utilization, site acquisition, and regulatory compliance to create sustainable communities. Our process includes market analysis, feasibility studies, and partnership coordination with non-profits and government agencies to ensure projects meet both tenant needs and investor goals.
Property Management
We manage 58+ properties totaling 2,200+ units with a focus on regulatory compliance and resident satisfaction. Our services include maintenance oversight, rent collection, tenant relations, and adherence to HUD Section 8 and Rural Development programs. A dedicated compliance specialist ensures all properties meet federal and state housing standards through regular audits and staff training.
Construction Oversight
Our construction division provides full lifecycle project management from groundbreaking to completion. Services include budget development, contractor coordination, OSHA-compliant safety protocols, and quality control inspections. We offer fixed-price contracts and bonding capabilities to minimize financial risk while maintaining strict adherence to project timelines and building codes.
Design Consulting
Venture Design Group delivers cost-effective architectural solutions tailored to affordable housing needs. Our services cover conceptual planning, civil engineering, and energy-efficient design specifications. By integrating durable materials and smart energy systems, we reduce long-term maintenance costs while creating functional living spaces that meet AIA standards and resident requirements.
Financing Applications
We specialize in securing affordable housing financing through tax credit programs and government grants. Our team prepares comprehensive applications for LIHTC, USDA Section 515, and other funding sources. This includes financial modeling, investor presentations, and coordination with state housing agencies to maximize funding opportunities and project viability.
People
Michael J. Surak
Founder
Founded The Englewood Group in 1974, overseeing development of 3,100+ housing units and a medical office facility. Brings expertise in commercial real estate and finance, with economics degree from Millikin University.
Julia Surak
President
Leads strategic planning and operations since 2015 with 12 years of real estate asset management experience. Holds BBA from Mount Saint Joseph University, focusing on property administration and compliance oversight.
Nick Surak
Executive Vice President
Manages real estate development with 20+ years in affordable housing. Preserved $400M+ in projects across 7 states, holding Marquette University degree in real estate development.
Julie Tucker
Chief Financial Officer
LIHTC compliance expert since 1995, managing investor relations and financial monitoring. Certified in HUD and USDA programs, with accounting degree from University of Indianapolis and decade-long board service in housing associations.
Melanie Watson
Director of Property Management
Oversees 58 properties across three states, ensuring operational excellence and resident satisfaction. Former commercial property manager with focus on maintaining quality standards in affordable housing communities.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We develop and manage properties in Indiana, Arizona, and Illinois with regional offices in each state.
What housing programs do you work with?
We specialize in LIHTC, HUD Section 8, USDA Rural Development, and state-specific affordable housing programs.
How do you ensure property compliance?
Our dedicated compliance specialist conducts regular audits and staff training to maintain 100% regulatory adherence across all properties.
Can you help with construction financing?
Yes, we offer fixed-price contracts, bonding capabilities, and expert guidance through tax credit programs to secure project funding.
What makes your designs cost-effective?
We use energy-efficient systems, durable materials, and optimized layouts to reduce maintenance costs by 20-30% compared to industry averages.
How are maintenance requests handled?
Our regional managers oversee 24/7 maintenance operations with certified technicians ensuring prompt response times across all communities.
