Recognition & Awards
A Commitment to Excellence
KBK Enterprises believes that courage, discipline and passion are the foundations of excellence. These characteristics are demonstrated through our professionalism, hard work and expertise in real estate development, construction and property management. Below are awards that recognize our corporate development achievements which exemplify our commitment to community and changing lives in the communities we serve.
2021
- Keith Key was awarded with the Distinguished Achievement Award by The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences
- Keith Key becomes the new Chair of The Ohio State University - Alumni Association Advisory Council. This two year term is effective from May 1st, 2021 through April 31, 2023
- KBKE received the Westside Design Award from Westside Urban Forum for the architect design of 501 Compton Blvd provided by GGLO Design.
- KBK Foundation Congressional Recognition: The KBK Foundation is the beneficiary of this year’s fine art fair. The Black Fine Art Fair of Ohio is KBK Foundation’s Signature Event and it’s their plan to provide access to Black Fine Art for years to come. The Black Fine Art Fair of Ohio has received support from various corporate and individual donors who have joined KBK Foundation in this effort.
- The official unveiling of the Keith & Donica Key Outdoor Amphitheater at the 2021 CSCC "Progress Update"
- Wichita RAD Senior Converversion: City breaks ground on senior housing complex.
2020
- Phase four of Addision Terrace was completed and officially awarded the Green Community Enterprise certification
- The Key Family was awarded the 2020 Generational Wealth award from Keys to Black Wealth (KTBW), a mission driven enterprise founded in response to the expanding racial wealth gap and lack of generational wealth in Black and Brown communities.
2017
- KBK launches Buckeye Social Entrepreneurship Program (BSEP) in collaboration with the office of Student Life at OSU, where student can "turn passion to profit."
- Keith B. Key was the commencement speaker for the class of 2017’s graduation ceremony at Columbus State Community College.
2015
- KBK Enterprises reaches 10 Year Anniversary-- KBK Enterprises was formed September 2004 to provide real estate development services in specific urban markets throughout the U.S.
- Received MWBE Governmental Committee Hall of Fame Award for demonstrating a strong commitment to the quest of improving the economic climate for historically underutilized business enterprises in Pittsburgh, PA
- Received Pittsburgh’s Key to the City for economic development contributions to the city, but more specifically for our commitment to MWBE businesses
- Mr. Key voted Chair of Columbus State Foundation Board and is the longest running board member since 2004. Later in 2017 Mr. Key was honored as guest speaker at the Class of 2017 Commencement Ceremony.
2013
Received Economic Impact Award for successfully attracting, retaining and creating jobs in the Pittsburgh region. Largest MBE/WBE/Section 3 participation in Pittsburgh, PA. We achieved a city wide record of 49% MWBE participation resulting in over $27 million in construction contracts awarded for Garfield Commons.
2012
- Contributed $1 million to the Office of Student Life at the Ohio State University. Received naming recognition for The Keith B. Key Center for Student Leadership and Service.
- Keith B. Key received the Samella Lewis Professional Achievement Award from the OSU African Alumni Society. The award is given to those who have achieved notable career accomplishments and outstanding professional contributions, including professional impact, authorship of significant publications or research and community service
2011
- National recognition from HUD Secretary Shaun Donavan for Section 3 Program being the model for the nation for a project of this size for Marrero Commons (formerly B.W. Cooper).
- KBK establishes a relationship with South African Consulate by hosting the United States Africa Women's Business Forum in New Orleans.
2010
- Received MWDBE Intergovernmental Award for achieving 45% MBE/WBE participation for Phase 1 of Garfield Commons.
- Mr. Key gets the pleasuree of meeting President Barack Obama
2009
- Omega Psi Phi’s “Business of the Year.”
- The B.W. Cooper development is later renamed Marrero Commons after much revered tenant advocate Yvonne Marrero. 410 apartments are being built on the 55 acre housing community where 1500 units existed that will serve nearly 300 low- to moderate-income households and 116 market-rate rental households. This includes 42 accessible homes for mobility impaired residents and nine additional accessible homes for hearing/visual impaired residents.
2007
- Only African American firm awarded one of the “Big 4” developments (B.W. Cooper) in New Orleans ($250 million project).
- Received one of the largest tax credit awards ($69 million) in U.S. history for B.W. Cooper.
- National Black Chamber of Commerce’s “Partner of the Year.”
- Largest award (Garfield Commons) given in Pittsburgh’s history to a minority business enterprise. Total project cost over $100 million. Record was later broken through the receipt of the award for Addison Terrace. Estimated project cost at $160 million.
- Largest tax credit award in Western PA from Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.
