It is appropriate that in a city made famous by the likes of Adams, Franklin, Hancock and Jefferson, the giants of Philadelphia real estate have made their marks here by making bold, independent decisions in the pursuit of their far-reaching visions for their firms and the growth of the city.

When we began 2012, observers stated that this would be the year of apartments. By the looks of it, that success is set to spill into next year as well.

HOUSTON–The nearly 480,000-square-foot asset attracted eight potential buyers before a deal was struck with an affiliate of North American Development Group.

OAK BROOK, IL–Newly appointed president of Inland American Real Estate Trust Inc. Thomas P. McGuinness tells GlobeSt.com the firm plans to sell most or all of its apartment assets within the next 12 months.

PHOENIX–A JV of Seefried Industrial and USAA has purchased a 38-acre parcel here that will be the site of the 600,000-foot Estrella Logistics Center. It could break ground as soon as next month.

CHICAGO–A joint venture of JSQ Commercial LLC and Watermark Residential has raised $36.5 million and plans to build seven to nine multifamily communities by the end of 2014. The assets are valued at $160 million.

WHITE PLAINS, NY-Faced with a still struggling economy and a lack of demand for space at its older suburban campus office parks in the I-287 corridor, the city of White Plains is looking to attract investors to repurpose some of those properties.

A look at some individuals who have helped shape—and continue to influence—the Metro Washington, DC market.