IRVINE, CA—With more than 17 years of diverse experience and industry knowledge, Brian Chartrand, LEED-AP, has been named president of Driver URBAN, a subsidiary of C.W. Driver. Answering the increased demand for higher density, urban living, Driver URBAN specializes in the construction of multifamily apartments, mixed-use developments, student and senior housing, affordable housing, and hospitality projects. Chartrand oversees all operations and client relations at Driver URBAN in his role as president in addition to sitting on the executive board of the parent company.
“Brian brings a unique background and industry knowledge to the entire C.W. Driver leadership team,” said John Thornton, president of C.W. Driver. “As a result of his leadership, the company has begun construction on several significant urban projects, reinforcing the C.W. Driver expertise and commitment to providing excellent results for our clients.”
Since its inception just over two years ago, Driver URBAN has emerged as a major player in the California market. Chartrand is currently leading various projects in California including, Lowe Enterprises East Village Apartments in Los Angeles; UDR Beach Walk Apartments in Huntington Beach; Westar Associates Goleta Mixed Use Village in Goleta; Wellbrook Southbay Senior Living in Torrance; Lennar Olympic & Olive in Los Angeles; Lennar Malden Station in Fullerton; WESTliving Estancia Del Sol in Corona; and The Current in Long Beach.
In addition to executing high-profile urban projects, Chartrand focuses on building a strong company culture with an emphasis on teamwork and community service. The firm participates in community service initiatives every quarter that have included serving lunch at the Midnight Mission, donating care packages for the homeless of Orange County, and even hosting a motorcycle toy ride benefitting Children's Hospital of Orange County. Under Chartrand's leadership, Driver URBAN has been recognized as one of OC Business Journal's “Best Places to Work” in 2013 and 2014 and was named in Multifamily Executive's 2014 “Top 25 General Contractors List.”
“I'm excited to be part of a company that continues to evolve with the growing market,” said Chartrand. “I look forward to working with the C.W. Driver executive team to push forward the objectives of Driver URBAN and our parent company, with services that focus on collaboration and creative problem-solving for our clients.”