AvalonBay Communities Inc. has been selected to receive the NAIOP Massachusetts 2012 Distinguished Real Estate Award for achievements in real estate, charitable activities and community betterment.

The award will be presented by Kevin O’Flaherty of Goulston & Storrs at NAIOP’s Annual Awards Gala in November in Boston.

"This award is a testament to AvalonBay’s ability to maintain its role as a leader in multi-family development, while continuing to strategically adapt over the years to the changing markets," said David Begelfer, CEO of NAIOP Massachusetts. "In addition, the company continues to positively impact the cities and towns in which its apartment communities are located."

AvalonBay Communities Inc., an equity REIT, is in the business of developing, redeveloping, acquiring and managing high-quality apartment communities in high barrier-to-entry markets in the U.S. Its major markets are located in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Pacific Northwest, and Northern and Southern California where it owns or holds an interest in 199 apartment communities containing 59,090 apartment homes.

AvalonBay has a long-standing history and commitment to meeting housing needs in the Greater Boston area and contributing to the region’s economic vibrancy. Its current 28 Boston area properties are a mix of garden-style, townhome, mid-rise and high rise communities in suburban and urban locations. Since 1993, in the Greater Boston area, AvalonBay has developed more than 6,600 apartment homes, with another 2,500 currently under development, and invested over $1.3 billion in rental housing.

"AvalonBay is honored to be recognized for its strong and abiding commitment to local communities wherever we operate. We not only strive to be an economic catalyst in our neighborhoods, but also try to be good corporate citizens," said William McLaughlin, executive vice president for development. "Our successes in these endeavors are the result of our terrific team, and I look forward to accepting this award on their behalf."