Equity Residential (Vivmark Residential)
Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) is a major publicly traded real estate investment trust specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of apartment communities. The firm has operated roughly 312 properties containing approximately 85,000 apartment units concentrated in premier coastal gateway and high-growth Sun Belt markets, including Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, San Francisco, Southern California, Atlanta, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Denver. Its strategy centers on affluent, long-term renters in central urban and transit-accessible locations, supported by property reinvestment, strong resident service, and data-driven revenue optimization. Founded by real estate entrepreneur Sam Zell, Equity Residential built roughly three decades of public REIT history as an S&P 500 member with investment-grade debt, conducting business through ERP Operating Limited Partnership (NYSE: ERPOP).
In 2026, Equity Residential combined with AvalonBay in a merger announced in July 2026 to form Vivmark Residential, a unified rental housing company managing more than 180,000 homes across 14 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. The former Equity Residential portfolio now operates under the Vivmark banner alongside brands such as Avalon, AVA, eaves by Avalon, and Kanso, with the combined company led by President and CEO Benjamin Schall.