Draft:Gurney, Becker & Bourne
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Gurney, Becker & Bourne is a family-owned real estate and insurance brokerage firm headquartered in Buffalo, New York. Founded in 1864 as Hume & Sanford, it is one of the oldest continuously operating family-run real estate brokerages in the United States.[1] The firm has played a notable role in the development of Western New York’s residential and commercial property markets over more than 160 years.
History
[edit]Origins as Hume & Sanford (1864–1888)
[edit]The company was founded in 1864 by Stevenson Hume and James W. Sanford under the name Hume & Sanford.[2] It was headquartered at 16 West Swan Street in downtown Buffalo and focused on real estate brokerage, insurance services, and rent collection.[3]
The firm was active in promoting the development of new residential neighborhoods in Buffalo during the post-Civil War period. Classified ads from the era show listings for lots in growing areas like Humboldt Parkway and North Buffalo.
Gurney & Overturf Era (1888–1925)
[edit]In 1888, Charles L. Gurney joined the firm, eventually becoming a partner following the founders’ retirement. He partnered with Thomas J. Overturf, a longtime associate, to form Gurney & Overturf.[4]
In 1902, the firm moved its offices into the Ellicott Square Building, which was then the world’s largest office building.[5] During this time, Gurney & Overturf handled several prominent land transactions and subdivision sales, including the development of St. Catherine’s Court and parcels near Main Street.[6]
Gurney, Overturf & Becker (1925–1956)
[edit]In 1912, Max A. Becker, Sr. joined the firm, and in 1925, it was renamed Gurney, Overturf & Becker, Inc..[7] This marked the beginning of a multigenerational legacy involving three family names. The firm continued expanding its portfolio, facilitating both residential and commercial transactions.
Alfred R. Bourne joined in 1937 and became known for assembling property parcels for large-scale downtown developments, including the future site of the Main Place Mall and Erie County Savings Bank building.[8]
Gurney, Becker & Bourne (1956–present)
[edit]In 1956, the firm adopted its current name, Gurney, Becker & Bourne, reflecting the inclusion of Alfred Bourne and the retirement of the Overturf name.[9]
Leadership passed through multiple generations of the founding families. William H. Gurney became president in 1957, succeeded by his brother Albert Gurney. Alfred Bourne served as president from 1965 to 1972. His son, James Bourne, succeeded him and remained president into the 2000s.[10]
In 2008, Charles "Sam" Gurney III became president, representing the fourth generation of Gurney family leadership.[11] The firm moved its headquarters to 976 Delaware Avenue in 2019.[12]
Present Day
[edit]Today, Gurney, Becker & Bourne operates residential and commercial real estate brokerage services, luxury home marketing, and insurance brokerage. The firm is known for handling high-value homes in Buffalo’s historic neighborhoods, including Delaware Avenue, Nottingham Terrace, and Parkside.[9]
It remains privately owned and operated by the Gurney, Becker, and Bourne families. Charles “Bo” Gurney IV, son of Sam Gurney, joined the firm in the 2010s, continuing the fifth generation of family involvement.[9]
Legacy and Recognition
[edit]Gurney, Becker & Bourne is the oldest real estate brokerage in Buffalo, and is believed to be the second-oldest continuously operating family-run real estate brokerage in the United States, after Chicago-based Baird & Warner (founded 1855).[13]
In 2021, the company received the Family Business Award from Buffalo Business First, in recognition of its more than 150 years of local service and multigenerational family ownership.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Family Business Awards: Gurney Becker & Bourne". Buffalo Business First. 2021-12-03.
- ^ Buffalo City Directory 1883. Courier Company. 1883. p. 162.
- ^ "Real Estate Listings". Buffalo Evening News. 1885-05-16.
- ^ Men of Buffalo. Buffalo Press. 1902. p. 87.
- ^ "Ellicott Square Building". Preservation Buffalo Niagara.
- ^ "St. Catherine's Court Sold". Buffalo Courier. 1923-02-14.
- ^ "Col. Max A. Becker Profile". The New York National Guardsman. 12 (4): 17. 1937.
- ^ Van Ness, Cynthia. "Buffalo Subdivisions: Pomeroy Park and Others". BuffaloResearch.com.
- ^ a b c "History". Gurney, Becker & Bourne.
- ^ "Gurney, Becker & Bourne Business Profile". Better Business Bureau.
- ^ "Gurney III Takes Helm". Buffalo Business First. 2008-01-14.
- ^ "Gurney Becker & Bourne relocates to historic Delaware building". Buffalo Business First. 2019-02-05.
- ^ "Our Story". Baird & Warner.
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