Fairlawn, a leading real estate investment, management, and development firm based in Champaign and Chicago, Illinois, was recognized with the FUTUREist in Community award at the closing ceremony of the AppFolio FUTURE conference in San Diego, California, on October 15, 2025.
The FUTUREist Awards celebrate forward-thinking real estate companies that are setting new standards for leadership, equity, and impact. Fairlawn received the FUTUREist in Community award for its commitment to enriching the Champaign-Urbana community through support of the arts. Specifically highlighted were the beautiful murals commissioned on several of Fairlawn’s buildings, which have helped transform public spaces and celebrate local creativity.
All FUTUREist winners received $15,000 to donate to a nonprofit of their choice. Fairlawn split its gift between two Champaign-Urbana-based organizations—Crisis Nursery and the Don Moyer Boys & Girls Club, both of which provide vital services to families and youth in the community.
“To have a trusted partner like AppFolio recognize us for our investment in the arts and the community is incredibly meaningful,” said Gozen Hartman, CEO of Fairlawn. “If we can be known as a company that has created better places, then we will have achieved everything we’ve been working toward.”
“The real estate industry’s future is defined by leaders who prioritize community,” said Stacy Holden, AppFolio’s VP and Industry Principal. “The stories of our FUTUREist winners are a powerful reminder of the impact we can all have when we lead with purpose. Their actions prove that good business and doing good are one and the same.”
The recognition marks another milestone in Fairlawn’s ten-year journey of growth, culture, and leadership in multifamily and student housing throughout the Midwest.
About Fairlawn:
Fairlawn is a vertically integrated multifamily real estate investment, management, and development firm based in Chicago and Champaign, IL, with roughly 5,750 units and $850 million in assets under management. With ambitious plans for continued growth, Fairlawn is focused on expanding its portfolio across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and other targeted Midwest markets.
