For Immediate Release
Contact: Jasmine Lopez, jasmine@discoverasg.com
July 24, 2020
Statement from John B. Cruz, President & CEO of Cruz Companies
As a Black-owned company that has been in Roxbury for more than 70 years, Cruz Companies is deeply committed to the economic and civic life of our neighborhood. Our first development project in Boston in 1972, Taurus Apartments on Humboldt Avenue in Roxbury, still continues to provide affordable housing to this day.
As a Black-owned business with approximately 75 employees, of which 95% are people of color, I have always strived to give back to my community. That is why I took steps three years ago to incorporate this mural as part of the redevelopment of this dilapidated site. In fact, this site was in such disarray that the roof had collapsed into the basement; the building was uninhabitable. I signed a cooperation agreement with the City to provide mitigation for this mural and establish an $8,000 budget. Moreover, I met and have had discussions with the original artist about replicating the artwork and incorporating elements of it into the building.
We are committed to employing at least 75% workers of color and 75% businesses of color on this site. We are also bringing an additional 40 permanent employees to this site which will be the new home to Cruz Companies. 90% of these people are folks of color. Moreover, we have hired a development team that is 100% Black, including the developer, contractor, management agent, attorney, and architect. We are number one in the city of Boston for providing employment and business opportunities to people and organizations of color. These folks will utilize the businesses and restaurants in the Warren Street corridor and hopefully serve as a role model to young people observing a successful Black firm.
We are committed to incorporating this mural into the design of this development. We are committed, as we always have been, to working with our community.
About Cruz Companies: Cruz Companies is the oldest and largest minority-owned construction, real estate development and property management firm in the region, responsible for landmark projects and developments for over 70 years. Cruz Companies’ mission is giving back to the community through providing employment and career opportunities to area residents, hiring local minority contractors and businesses, and increasing affordable and market rate housing. For more information, please go to our website www.cruzcompanies.com.
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