Wilmorite Management Group, LLC

Wilmorite is a full-service real estate development company with expertise in design, construction, finance and management.

What inspired the founding of your company, and what was its original mission?

James and William Wilmot recognized the tremendous demand for housing at the conclusion of the Second World War and formed the Wilmorite Company to help meet that demand through affordable single-family homes and later, affordable apartment projects.

What were the most significant milestones or turning points in the company’s 50+ years in business?

Entering into the enclosed mall business in the early 1960s set the company’s focus for the next 40 years. With the ultimate saturation of the mall business in the U.S., the company began pursuing both student housing and casino operations.

How have your core values and vision influenced the way your company operates?

Wilmorite has always strived to have a positive impact on the communities where we have developed properties and to have excellent relationships with the various government entities that we deal with.

How has your company adapted to industry changes or economic challenges over the years?

Over its history, Wilmorite has recognized the many challenges and changes affecting the real estate industry and continually monitors the opportunities in each of the various real estate industries. We look for both opportunities and to recognize potential problems.

What’s unique about your workplace culture that has contributed to your longevity?

Wilmorite has been very fortunate to have many co-workers who have been with the company for 40-plus years, which has contributed to maintaining a culture of mutual respect and a goal of always striving for improvement.

What are your company’s top goals for the near future?

The real estate retail business, beginning with the COVID pandemic, has faced the most challenging environment it has ever seen. Retailer bankruptcy, tightened lending credit, and the overall lack of liquidity has substantially reduced property values. We strongly believe that brick and mortar retailing has a positive future and to overcome these challenges are our number one goal for the immediate future.

What are the key factors that have contributed to your company’s ability to stay competitive?

Wilmorite, over its long history, has looked to find underserved markets within the real estate industry. Wilmorite has recognized that it does not have the ability to create markets, which are constantly undergoing change.

This profile is part of Rochester Business Journal’s In the Lead: Best Legacy Businesses list for 2026. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.