Robert Katzman founded Abbey Homes in 1973, building on the entrepreneurial real estate endeavors of his father, uncle and grandfather. He quickly gained an outstanding reputation for superior craftsmanship and personal service, and his award-winning custom homes were sought after in several of the most affluent neighborhoods in the nation.

Robert Katzman’s initial achievements included the American Society of Interior Designers and Detroit Symphony Showhouse and the 1986 Chestnut Run Homearama site in Bloomfield Township, Michigan. His work was frequently profiled in national housing magazines for his industry acumen.

Peter Burton established a general contracting firm in California during the 1970’s following his tour of the country as a professional trumpet player. After earning a reputation as an accomplished commercial builder, he took the helm of the family’s property management company in 1980. Two years later, cousins Peter Burton and Robert Katzman formed a strategic alliance to grow the Burton-Katzman portfolio through the development of large-scale office parks, high-tech facilities, mixed-use properties, residential communities and condominiums. They immediately pushed the limits with the development of the one million square foot Arboretum Office Park and the 300-acre Copper Creek PUD with nearly 1,000 residences and a championship golf course, both in Farmington Hills, Michigan.