Pasquinelli in Northern Illinois

Pasquinelli Homes, founded in 1956 by brothers Bruno and Anthony "Tony" Pasquinelli in Chicago, Illinois, became a significant player in the American homebuilding industry. Over its 50-year history, the company constructed approximately 45,000 homes across 13 states, reaching its peak as the fifth largest privately-owned homebuilder in the U.S. by the early 2000s. Initially focused on the Chicago area, Pasquinelli Homes expanded into markets like Florida and Colorado before ultimately establishing a presence in North Carolina under the name Portrait Homes. The company was well-known for its emphasis on "missing middle" housing, which catered to a broader demographic seeking affordable homeownership options.