Century Group, a diversified real estate development company, has acquired Portrait Homes, an award-winning home builder.

The acquisition strengthens Century Group as it prepares for its upcoming launch of its Southlands project in Tsawwassen, which will consist of 950 homes—mainly townhouses and small detached homes. It also allows the Grimm brothers, Harry and Robert, who founded Portrait Homes more than 25 years ago to redirect their energies in a different direction.

“The Portrait Homes’ team will be delivering on the Southlands promise to create high quality homes in the exciting context of a community focused on food and agriculture,” Century Group President Sean Hodgins explained.  

“In building approximately 1,100 new homes in the Lower Mainland over the last twenty seven years, Portrait Homes has demonstrated an attention to detail in planning and design and a reputation for quality and customer service excellence. Their brand, culture and expert staff are strong and will help the Southlands community come to life.” 

Portrait Homes includes about 30 full-time staff in project management, accounting and construction site leadership. Eventually, this strong team will be integrated, bolstering Century Group’s head office staff of about 45, while the Portrait Homes brand will be distinctly maintained and promoted in the future. Harry and Robert Grimm will remain at Portrait Homes in a consulting capacity through a transitionary period that follows the acquisition.

Century Group celebrates its 60th anniversary in business this year, having been founded by George Hodgins in 1957, who began building single-family housing communities in Delta. Expanding over the years in to other areas, such as hospitality and seniors’ housing, Century Group is a recognized leader in building and community design, with current projects in Surrey, South Delta, Vancouver, Langley, Prince George and Nanaimo. Century is currently developing the 3 Civic Plaza mixed-use project at Surrey Central SkyTrain Station.