Gary Cohen is a third generation local developer. Cohen’s grandfather, William “Bill” Cohen founded Willco Investments in the early 1960’s as a vehicle to purchase real estate in the Washington Metropolitan area. His first purchase was a vacant piece of ground on the corner of 20th and L Street, NW which he developed into an office building called The Vanguard and leased it to the government. By the 1970’s properties held by Willco Investments included retail, commercial and industrial space, including hotels and shopping centers.

Cohen’s father, Richard S. Cohen, entered the business at a very young age and was immediately drawn toward construction. In the 1970’s, Richard founded Willco Construction and became one of the largest general contractors in the area. Willco Companies, the successor of Willco Construction, currently develops and manages more than 6 million square feet of office, retail and industrial space.