Fred Maas

Since 1989, developer and CEO of Black Mountain Ranch Fred Maas has redefined community planning in San Diego.

The 4,600-acre Black Mountain Ranch was one of the last and largest parcels to be developed in the city of San Diego. In bringing his partners' shared vision to fruition, Maas forged unique partnerships with city officials and community and environmental groups alike. BMR was one of the first and largest private contributors to the Multiple Species Conservation Program, with more than 1,900 acres set aside to support threatened habitat and endangered species.

Black Mountain Ranch isn't just a housing development, but a community now heralded by those friendly to development, and many of those opposed, as an exemplary product of good planning. Maas's project is what's called "smart growth" and "a sustainable development." It sets a benchmark in San Diego for "green building," practices that embody respect for the environment.