Over the decades, DeMatteis has achieved numerous remarkable successes on behalf if its clients.  Yet, along the way, many of its most spectacular achievements have come when the company has combined its vision with its willingness to spearhead a project on its own, as a developer-builder.

   According to President Richard DeMatteis, the process has broadened and strengthened the company's expertise, which ultimately benefits its current and future clients.  "We put ourselves to the test, gain knowledge from the experience, then turn around and use that information to do a better job for those who utilize our services," he said.

   In the early 1980's, DeMatteis turned its vision to a vacant 1,300 acre expanse of Mitchel Field in central Long Island.  "We recognized that at the time, both physically and psychologically, Long Island had no "downtown", Chairman Fred DeMatteis recalled.  "And we recognized what a focal point for the Island's business and culture we could create by developing that downtown at Mitchel Field - across from the Nassau Coliseum.

   That vision became the Coliseum Towers, now known as EAB Plaza.  With over one million sq. ft. of office space, the 15 story, twin tower complex is the largest, tallest, most sophisticated office building on Long Island. It has been the model for "smart" commercial office buildings ever since.  As co-owner, developer and construction manager, DeMatteis broke ground on the project in 1981.  Since then, millions of sq. ft. of retail and commercial space has been developed at Mitchel Field, and EAB Plaza has earned its place as a Long Island landmark and a centerpiece for its commerce and culture.  With its spectacular fountains, annual outdoor ice rink, winter garden and holiday tree lighting, the complex has become nothing less than "Long Island's Rockefeller Center".

   A decade later, DeMatteis set yet another new standard for advanced commercial structures. This time in New Jersey.  The Crescent at Bridgewater is considered one of that state's most architecturally distinguished buildings. It is certainly one of the most dramatic suburban corporate developer-builder, owner and manager, DeMatteis conceived and created an eye-opening glass sheathed semicircular building encircling an expansive reflecting pool, which serves as the focal point for The Crescent rolling, wooded 27-acre site.  The dynamic yet practical corporate showpiece later attracted the attention of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, which subsequently purchased The Crescent and engaged DeMatteis as the construction manager for the major renovations required to complete its regional headquarters.

   As developer-builder, DeMatteis has also established itself as a regional leader in urban renewal, as one of the largest developers of middle-income multi-family housing in new York City.  One of its most notable efforts was the transformation in the mid-1970's of the former Ruppert Brewery in the under-developed Yorkville area of Manhattan into one of the nation's most successful housing projects.  The 1,852 unit residential development of Ruppert-Yorkville Towers and Knickerbocker Plaza includes stores, recreational facilities and outdoor public plazas.  Most significantly, the quality of the three 48-story residential towers caused a resurgence of growth above 86th Street in Manhattan.  DeMatteis had both the foresight and the in-house construction capabilities to take on this large-scale development project.  The result? New homes, safe streets and a revitalized community.