About O’Brien Brothers Homebuilding
O’Brien Brothers has been building community throughout Vermont for the better part of a century. As a premier provider of residential properties in Vermont, we’re known for quality, integrity, superb customer service, and lasting value that we provide to our customers.
Our Mission & Values
Inspired by a family heritage, our mission is to leave a lasting and positive impact on the communities in which we do business. Inspiring community through the built environment, O’Brien Brothers Homebuilding creates vibrant neighborhoods and offers homes for all Vermonters, existing and new. Our dedication to our local communities, the environment, our homebuyers, and our neighbors has positioned us as one of Vermont’s foremost developers of exceptional neighborhoods.
Every project we undertake is guided by the same principles that define an O’Brien Brothers neighborhood: quality, connectivity, opportunity, well-being, and environment. Our portfolio showcases these qualities and our longstanding commitment to serving Vermonters.
Our Development Principles
Quality
Our homes are built to last for generations.
Environment
We balance new construction with protecting its surrounding land.
Connectivity
We believe in well-placed communities connected to their surroundings. Comment end
Opportunity
Homeownership is a life-changing opportunity, and we are committed to providing it for a variety of income levels in our local communities.
Well-Being
New homes provide comfort and peace of mind so you can excel in your life.
Environment & Energy Leadership
At O’Brien Brothers, we believe that quality neighborhoods, quality homes, and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Our commitment to building better drives us to lead Vermont toward a more sustainable future.
Through our groundbreaking Hillside East development, we have created one of the country’s first 100% fossil fuel-free neighborhoods—a testament to our vision of being part of the climate solution. Working closely with efficiency partners and our local electric provider, we are delivering 155 all-electric, resilient homes with solar on every rooftop.
All of our homes provide exceptional energy efficiency, with every detail reflecting our dedication to sustainable building practices. We are not just building homes—we are building a greener and more resilient future for Vermont.
Led by legacy. Shaped by values.
Local Beginnings
The O’Brien family traces its roots in South Burlington as far back as 1890, when Daniel O’Brien moved to the fledgling town with an inclination toward community improvement. His eldest son, Leo Sr., became a local cattle dealer and farmer. In 1944, he purchased a property on Old Farm Road in South Burlington to expand his growing livestock and agricultural business.
Leo Sr. had two sons, Leo Jr. and Daniel, who grew up on the family farm. Both brothers eventually made their homes on the property, caring for the farm, tending the land, and raising their families. Like their father and grandfather, the brothers were drawn to public service, with Leo serving as Commissioner of Agriculture for the State of Vermont and Dan participating on the Democratic National Committee.
A Changing Vermont
In 1958, Leo and Dan started O’Brien Brothers as a farming and livestock business. But as Vermont’s economy began to change rapidly, with an influx of new residents framing the needs of the state, the brothers recognized an acute housing demand in their community. With civic duty as their heritage, they transitioned the business toward real estate development.
Their first development broke ground in 1968. By 1986, the business was fully invested in the responsible development and management of a wide portfolio of properties. For a time, O’Brien Brothers was the largest private developer of affordable housing in Vermont, demonstrating their commitment to serving all members of the community.
Building on Tradition
Although Dan and Leo Jr. passed on in 2020 and 2021, respectively, their longtime vision continues. Under the leadership of CEO Evan Langfeldt and a professional management team, O’Brien Brothers has evolved to meet the needs of today’s Vermont while staying true to the values that have guided the company since 1958.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, we continue our commitment to land stewardship by building responsible communities where long-time Vermonters and newly minted ones can live, work, and play, connected to their surroundings and their community through neighborhood design. Every project we undertake is guided by our core purpose: to inspire community through the built environment.
Future Developments
Milton, VT
Our latest development in Milton, VT, Parkside will encompass everything that makes Vermont living truly special: excellent schools, nearby recreation, and a strong sense of community. Best of all, homes are energy efficient and competitively priced.
Shelburne, VT
Our proposed housing project in Shelburne will add up to 375 high-quality, energy-efficient homes for people of all income levels and stages of life. The plan conserves 65% of the property’s land while expanding housing opportunities just minutes south of Vermont’s largest metropolitan area.
