Christopher Kott hired at LV Collective

Posted on by Jordan Jensen

LV Collective, a real estate investment and development firm based in Austin, has appointed Christopher Kott as Executive Vice President of Acquisitions. In this role, he will lead the strategic growth of LV’s student housing portfolio, overseeing high-impact investments in key university markets. Kott brings over a decade of experience in commercial real estate. He most recently served as Managing Director of Acquisitions at Virtus Real Estate Capital, where he led the firm’s student housing and multifamily strategy.

“With an impressive track record in multifamily and student housing investments and acquisitions, Kott brings the vision, expertise and strategic leadership needed to drive our continued growth,” said LV Collective CEO, David Kanne. “His deep market knowledge and ability to identify high-value opportunities will be instrumental as we continue to expand our portfolio and strengthen our commitment to delivering exceptional living experiences.”

Edge Realty Partners names managing principal in Houston office

Posted on by Jordan Jensen

Edge Realty Partners promoted principal Micha van Marcke to managing principal for Edge Houston. 

Van Marcke has been a Principal at Edge for seven years, and was previously at Transwestern Commercial Services where she led Retail Investment Sales as a Senior Vice President.   She specializes in the disposition and acquisition of retail and office properties for a variety of major institutional and private clients, providing capital markets execution experience.

In her past 24 years of transaction experience, van Marcke has completed $2 billion in asset sales and over 245 leases throughout Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. She was the Top Producer for the Houston Capital Markets team in 2023 and 2024.

As the first designated Managing Principal for Houston van Marcke will play a critical leadership role, overseeing the firm’s strategic direction, operations, and overall performance. She will be responsible for managing daily business operations, driving revenue growth, and ensuring the firm meets its financial and performance goals.

van Marcke will continue to lead and mentor brokerage teams, develop business strategies, and cultivate client relationships to expand market presence. She will also play a key role in recruiting and retaining top talent and fostering a strong company culture. 

Van Marcke is a licensed Texas Real Estate Broker as well as a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) Designee and is an active member of several organizations throughout Houston, including Commercial Real Estate for Women (CREW) and Commercial Real Estate Finance Council (CREFC).

Dallas’ Merriman Anderson Architects names interiors hospitality lead

Posted on by Jordan Jensen

Dallas-based Merriman Anderson Architects named Theresa Zavala as the firm’s Interiors Hospitality Lead.

With 25 years of experience in global hospitality and high-end residential design, Zavala brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to MAA’s growing interiors division. 

In this role, Zavala will lead MAA’s hospitality interior design team, overseeing the design and execution of world-class interior spaces in the hospitality sector. She will be responsible for ensuring projects meet the highest design standards, align with client goals, and stay within budget. 

Over her career, Zavala has worked on high-end hospitality projects, blending luxury and functionality to create immersive guest experiences. Her extensive international travel and significant on-site experience bring a strategic and inspired approach to design.

Pearlstone Partners breaks ground on luxury condominium development in Austin

Posted on by Jordan Jensen

Pearlstone Partners has officially broken ground on The Belvedere, a luxury condominium development in west downtown Austin, Texas, while securing a $154.5 million loan from Benefit Street Partners to bring the project to life.

Slated for completion in August 2027, The Belvedere will redefine luxury urban living, offering 158 residences with unparalleled amenities and direct access to the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.

Groundbreaking Marks a New Era for Downtown

On March 25, Pearlstone Partners hosted the official groundbreaking at 300 Pressler Street, celebrating the beginning of this project. The final three building development will be 299,373 square feet of thoughtfully designed residential and commercial space, introducing a new standard of upscale living to the city. “We are thrilled to bring The Belvedere to life, a project that blends thoughtful design, luxury and connectivity to Austin’s vibrant urban landscape,” said Bill Knauss, CEO of Pearlstone Partners. “This development reflects our commitment to creating exceptional living spaces that enhance the community while offering an unparalleled lifestyle.” Designed by KTGY with interiors by Kim Lewis Designs, The Belvedere will offer a three-acre urban green space, enhancing downtown’s natural landscape and providing a seamless connection to outdoor recreation. “The Belvedere applies thoughtful design and architecture to create spaces that add value to the surrounding city, offering a unique level of luxury and activation to West Downtown Austin,” said Ray Tse, Principal at KTGY. “We are grateful for our partnership with Pearlstone Partners to bring this development to life in a way that will elevate the community and redefine luxury living.”

$154.5 Million Loan Secured to Fund Development

Pearlstone Partners has secured a $154.5 million construction loan from Benefit Street Partners, ensuring the successful delivery of The Belvedere. “Partnering with Benefit Street Partners has been an essential part of making The Belvedere a reality,” said Chris Zaiontz, Pearlstone President. “Their support and confidence in our vision have allowed us to move forward with this exciting project, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their collaboration.” As part of the project, Pearlstone is investing $1.5 million into a park on The Belvedere lawn, including upgraded sidewalks, new bikeways and improved public access, promoting outdoor recreation and connectivity within the community. “We are excited to support the development of The Belvedere in Austin, a city renowned for its dynamic growth and vibrant community,” said David Elgart, Managing Director at Benefit Street Partners and lead banker on the project. “This project is the result of a strong collaborative effort, and we appreciate the vision and expertise of Bill Knauss and Chris Zaiontz at Pearlstone Partners, whose dedication has been instrumental in bringing The Belvedere to life.”

Key Details and Luxury Amenities 

The Belvedere’s residences—ranging from one- to three-bedroom condominiums—will offer an exclusive array of amenities, including a lap pool, resort-style pool, on-site restaurant, coworking spaces, 24-hour concierge services, fitness studios, pet lounge and grooming station, theater room, residential lounge, and direct access to the Hike-and-Bike Trail.

Marcus & Millichap negotiates sale of 152-unit apartment community in Saginaw

Posted on by Jordan Jensen

Marcus & Millichap facilitated the sale of Ashton, a 152-unit apartment community in Saginaw, Texas.  

Ford Braly, first vice president, along with Al Silva, senior managing director investments, and Dylan York, associate, all based in Marcus & Millichap’s Fort Worth office, exclusively marketed the property on behalf of the seller, a private out-of-state investor, and procured the buyer, an experienced local operator. 

The buyer plans to make select improvements to the property and capitalize on the limited competition in Saginaw’s class B multifamily housing market.

Built in 1984, Ashton is a 15-building community spanning nearly eight acres at 681 N. Saginaw Blvd. It offers one- and two-bedroom apartments with private patios or balconies, walk-in closets and fireplaces. Residents have access to a clubhouse, swimming pool, dog park and barbecue grilling stations. Recent upgrades include renovated unit interiors, an updated leasing office and enhancements to shared amenities.