Versión en español a continuación. Yesterday we announced an expansion of a rent assistance program for the residents and commercial tenants of Nico Echo Park, which we are posting here: To the residents and commercial tenants of Nico Echo Park, We’re living through an unprecedented moment — a moment of…

Versión en español a continuación. Nico is a new type of investment company that makes it possible for people who love their neighborhood to build a long-term financial stake in their community. That’s what Nico stands for — the Neighborhood Investment Company. We believe that everybody should have the opportunity…

Versión en español a continuación. What’s a benefit corporation and how does it impact my investment? We love neighborhoods. That’s why when we created Nico Echo Park, we chose to organize it as a benefit corporation. A benefit corporation is a for-profit entity that is legally obligated “making a material positive impact on society and the environment.” Benefit corporations (also known…

Real estate investment trusts (or REITs) explained Versión en español a continuación. A REIT, pronounced “reet”, isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. It stands for “real estate investment trust” and more than 87 million Americans actively own shares in various REITs, according to the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts. REITs have been around since the…

Versión en español a continuación. Can you truthfully declare that a legible paving pattern has ever enhanced your enjoyment of an exterior space? What if a landscape design felt so thoroughly at ease with it’s context that it ceased to exist as a willful “design” altogether? What if a project…

Versión en español a continuación. Nico Echo Park is organized as a benefit corporation, which means that we balance financial returns with a commitment to “making a material positive impact on society and the environment.” As part of our mission to positively impact the neighborhoods we invest in, Nico Echo…

Versión en español a continuación. The precise date of the inaugural Echo Park Community Parade is a bit unknown. “We were trying to think back to when the first parade took place and we just couldn’t come up with a date we all agreed on,” said Maryanne Hayashi, Executive Director…

Versión en español a continuación. When we launch Nico Echo Park early next year, it will be among the first real estate investment trusts to organize as a public benefit corporation, which means that we’re legally committed to balancing financial returns with the social and environmental impact of our activities…

Versión en español a continuación. We love neighborhoods and believe that inclusive and stable neighborhoods are cornerstones of a healthy society. We also believe that the way local real estate is owned (who owns it, and what they are motivated by) matters. Today, we are pleased to announce the launch…