The New Orleans area is teeming with remarkable young adults who excel in a multitude of areas, including education, athletics, community development, business, technology, entertainment and more. Every year (with the exception of an interruption by Hurricane Katrina in 2005), Gambit Weekly honors 40 people under the age of 40 for contributions they have made to our area and the potential they show for making their community a better place. The 10th annual '40 Under 40" issue is evidence that personal and professional success and exceptional works can be realized at an early age through innovative thinking and inspired actions.

Matthew Schwartz, 29
Chris Papamichael, 33
Developers, Domain Companies

Although they grew up in the same hometown of Syosset, N.Y., Matt Schwartz and Chris Papamichael didn't meet until later in life, when both joined the same fraternity at Tulane University. The two went on to become much more than just fraternity brothers. As co-founders of Domain Companies, with offices in New Orleans, Ithaca, N.Y., and New York City, they are two of the most influential property developers in the rebuilding of New Orleans.

Schwartz (pictured left) has a strong background in finance, and Papamichael oversees the construction, engineering and architectural side of the business.

'I feel great [about Domain's impact on New Orleans]," Papamichael says. 'I have loved this city ever since I stepped foot here."

Domain Companies this year will work on $100 million project to build mixed-income apartments at two sites along the Tulane Avenue corridor, with 40 percent of the units set aside for low-income residents. Domain also purchased more than 30 vacant lots and small commercial properties surrounding the two sites and will build affordable single-family housing units in partnership with a national nonprofit.

'The Tulane Avenue corridor has the most availability for travel in the city. It intersects with every main street," Schwartz says. 'However, nothing has happened in terms of development in 30 years, same with Canal Street. After Katrina, programs were put in place that allowed our company to do things like [build mixed-use, mixed-income developments)."

Domain uses local contractors and subcontractors wherever possible and always maximizes energy-efficient 'green" features and sustainability in its construction projects. 'We try to be as environmentally friendly as possible in the way we insulate buildings and the types of paint we use," says Papamichael.

Domain also is community minded and works with several nonprofits, including Sweet Home New Orleans and YA/YA (Young Aspirations/Young Artist). Apprentices from Café Reconcile currently are working on building sites for the company. " Sullivan