Having built over 40,000 homes in their history, Chicago-based Lexington Homes has been a stalwart of the local new-home industry for more than 45 years. In the first few years after Ron Benach founded Lexington Homes in 1973, the company brought numerous innovations to the market, including a townhouse product they called the “coach home” and the first usage of the zero-lot-line concept for single-family homes in the area.

Lexington Homes was the only large-scale, privately owned homebuilder in Chicago to weather the Great Recession, and since those dark days they’ve continued to innovate. But for Garry Benson, vice president of sales at the company, the true strength of their reputation with both agent and homeowner communities in Chicagoland emanates from the persistence and dedication of those who come to work at Lexington Homes every day.

“Winning this award is a true testament to the phrase, ‘It’s a team sport,’” Benson said. “From homeowner satisfaction to quality construction to creating the best aspects for every community, we are so proud of our team and the teamwork that they practice on each and every aspect of the development process.”

Finalists: M/I Homes Chicago; Toll Brothers