Celebrating 80 years as the largest independent trade association serving the building, real estate and construction industries in Westchester County and throughout the Hudson Valley.

Founded in 1946, the Building & Realty Institute (BRI) has grown into one of the leading trade associations serving the building, real estate and construction industries throughout Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.

The BRI is supported by a multi-talented professional and consultant staff versed in all facets of the building industry: planning, engineering, law, insurance, environmental regulations and governmental relations on a state, county and local level. Let the talented team at the BRI help you with your construction and realty industry needs!

  • 1946
    The BRI is founded as The Home Builders Association Of Westchester
  • 1951
    Safety Insurance Group 458 established
  • 1954
    George A. Frank is named Executive Vice President of the organization.
  • 1959
    The Home Builders Association Of Westchester changes its name to The Builders Institute Of Westchester and Putnam Counties, Inc.
  • 1971
    The formation of the Apartment Owners Advisory Council (AOAC) marks the introduction of the organization's primary real estate element.
  • 1972
    The Westchester Foundation is formed, with six representatives from the BI and six from the BTEA (Building Trades Employers Association).
  • 1978
    The IMPACT Newsletter, the official publication of the BRI, transitions to a tabloid newspaper format.
  • 1979
    The Cooperative and Condominium Advisory Council (CCAC) of the BRI is formed to represent co-op and condominium boards.
  • 1985
    The Advisory Council of Managing Agents (ACMA) of the BRI is created to represent property managers of co-ops, condos and rental apartment buildings and complexes.
  • 1990
    The Safety Insurance Group 530 is established.
  • 2000
    The BRI relocates from White Plains to Armonk.
  • 2001
    Albert Annunziata is named Executive Director of the BRI. He remained in that position until the end of 2019.
  • 2013
    New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg honors the BRI for its valuable contribution to the building, real estate, and construction industry in the metropolitan area.
  • 2016
    The BRI marks its 70th anniversary with a birthday celebration at Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle. At the time, the organization represented approximately 1,500 members across 14 counties in New York State.
  • 2017
    “Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)” - a radio show of the BRI - debuts on 1460 WVOX AM. The show concluded its run in 2023. Jeff Hanley, Associate Executive Director of the BRI, hosted the program.
  • 2017
    The Suppliers and Service Providers Advisory Council (SSPAC) of the BRI is formed.
  • 2018
    "Constructive Conversations With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)" premieres on AM 970 The Answer, the BRI’s N.Y. City radio show. Previously airing on Talk Radio 77 WABC AM and 710 WOR AM, the show, hosted by Jeff Hanley, Associate Executive Director of the BRI, wrapped up its broadcast in 2022.
  • 2019
    The Cooperative and Condominium Advisory Council (CCAC) at the BRI celebrates its 40th anniversary with a special event at The Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.
  • 2020
    Timothy Foley takes on the position of Executive Director at the BRI in January.
  • 2020
    The Building and Allied Construction Industries (BACI) group, affiliated with the N.Y. State Builders Association (NYSBA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), is established, with the BRI serving as the group's administrator.
  • 2020
    Lisa DeRosa from DeRosa Builders is chosen as the President of the BRI, marking her as the first female President of the association.
  • 2021
    The Welcome Home Westchester Campaign is launched under the leadership of the BRI. This collaborative advocacy initiative, comprising business and non-profit leaders, academics, think tanks, faith leaders, and community advocates, aims to spark a fresh public dialogue on addressing the housing shortage in Westchester County.
  • 2021
    The BRI celebrates its 75th anniversary with a commemorative event at The Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle.
  • 2024
    The BRI launches the ‘Building Knowledge With The Building and Realty Institute (BRI)’ podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, hosted by Jeff Hanley, Associate Executive Director of the BRI.
  • 2024
    The Hudson Valley Women in Construction Group is founded by the BRI, tailored to women engaged in the homebuilding, remodeling, construction, and contracting sectors.
  • 2025
    Michael Murphy of Murphy Brothers Contracting is elected as BRI President, solidifying an era of connections and growth.
  • 2025
    The BRI strengthened member engagement with the launch of its Ambassador Program, helping newcomers feel supported from day one.
  • 2026
    The BRI celebrates its 80th anniversary with a gala honoring industry leaders, member volunteers and community partners for their contributions to the building, real estate and construction industries throughout the Hudson Valley.