Category: Announcements

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PeakMade Real Estate and Blue Vista Capital Management Open Theory U District in Seattle, Washington

PeakMade Real Estate and Blue Vista Capital Management Open Theory U District in Seattle, Washington

ATLANTA, GA

– October 13, 2022 – PeakMade Real Estate (“Peak”) and Blue Vista Capital Management (“Blue Vista”) recently completed construction on Theory U District, a purpose-built student apartment community in the University District of Seattle, near the University of Washington. The seven-story, 441-bed mid-rise project opened its doors to students this September prior to the start of the fall semester.  The project represents a continued expansion of Peak/Blue Vista’s Theory-branded development portfolio in major university markets.

“We are very excited to be a part of the U District community and to serve the growing housing needs of University of Washington students with a well-conceived project,” said Jeff Githens, President of Development at PeakMade Real Estate.

Theory U District provides a differentiated living experience to University of Washington students at a premier location near University Way Northeast (“The Ave”), the University of Washington’s Greek Row, and the new U District light rail station.   The property offers a variety of unit types from studio to five-bedrooms with a range of price points.  The units come fully furnished in both standard and premium offerings with market leading features and finishes.  The property’s amenities showcase a two-story entry lobby with abundant light and local art, a well-appointed fitness center, ample study spaces, an active ground-level courtyard, and a rooftop amenity deck with astounding Seattle views.

“Theory U district is the next evolution of PeakMade’s Theory brand to provide a differentiated living experience to our student residents,” said Mike Paluga, Senior Vice President of Development at PeakMade Real Estate.

“Theory U District represents the fifth “Theory” branded development executed by Blue Vista and PeakMade and we look forward to serving the University District market in Seattle,” said Jason Schwartz, Managing Principal and Co-head of Equity Group at Blue Vista Capital Management.  “The Theory brand offers residents what we believe to be an ideal combination of the student housing experience and modern apartment living, with high quality amenities, well-conceived community spaces and easy access to campus.”

 

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for conventional multifamily and student apartments.  PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com.

ABOUT BLUE VISTA

Blue Vista is a Chicago-based leading real estate investment management firm dedicated to developing long-term relationships, serving investor interests, and delivering consistent performance through a rigorous academic and research-driven investment process. Blue Vista’s value-creating platform offers a national footprint in the U.S. and Canada, local operating expertise, and best-in-class investment strategies focused exclusively on student housing, middle market real estate and lending. Since the firm’s inception in 2002, Blue Vista has invested over $10.5 billion in total capitalized value through institutional real estate vehicles. For more information, please visit https://bluevistallc.com.

   

   


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PeakMade Announces Seung Hwan Kang as Vice President of Property and Development Accounting

Vice President of Property & Development Accounting - Seung Hwan Kang

PeakMade Announces Seung Hwan Kang as Vice President of Property and Development Accounting

ATLANTA, GA – August 18, 2022 – PeakMade Real Estate, a leading diversified real estate development and property management company, announced today the promotion of Seung Hwan Kang to Vice President of Property and Development Accounting.

In his new role as Vice President of Property and Development Accounting, he will continue to provide strategic as well as day-to-day oversight of property and development accounting operations, while playing a key role in evolving how we can better serve our clients and partners. Seung Hwan joined PeakMade in 2016 as a Controller demonstrating proven leadership that led to a promotion in 2020 to Senior Controller.  His expanded leadership helped streamline and optimize the property accounting infrastructure, coupled with a heavy focus on the professional development of the accounting team members.   Seung Hwan Kang is a CPA who received his BBA in accounting from the University of Georgia and is an active volunteer on our Peak Cares team in Atlanta and a frequent speaker at our annual Peak Leadership Conference.

“As a classically experienced and trained accountant, I’ve always relied on the numbers to show me the way. I find comfort in their truth and their finality, “said Seung Hwan Kang. “However, Peak and the team I’ve worked with the last 6 years have shown me that while the need for numbers is important, it is the importance of people that matter most. In my new role, I know I’ll further refine my skills in the numbers but will understand the importance of team and relationships more than ever.”

Seung Hwan will continue to report to Chief Financial Officer, Wendy Walker, in his new role.

“Seung Hwan is an exceptional leader at Peak, who lives and breathes our mindset: People Matter Most.  I am delighted to expand his scope of responsibilities and influence within the organization” said Wendy Walker, Chief Financial Officer at PeakMade.

 

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for conventional multifamily and student apartments.  PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com.

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PEAKMADE ANNOUNCES SALES AND MARKETING PROMOTIONS

PeakMade Sales & Marketing Promotions

PEAKMADE ANNOUNCES SALES AND MARKETING PROMOTIONS

ATLANTA, GA – August 11, 2022 – PeakMade Real Estate, a leading diversified real estate development and property management company, announced today the promotion of Ashly Poyer and Alaina Jackson to key leadership positions in the organization.

Ashly Poyer has been promoted to Vice President of Sales and Marketing.  In her newly expanded role, she will continue to drive the Company’s Sales and Leasing strategy, as well as added responsibility for property/portfolio marketing support by providing leadership to our Digital/Web Marketing, Customer Experience, Communications and Creative Marketing teams.  A PeakMade veteran, Ashly has been with the Company for 12 years and started her career on-site in Huntsville, TX.  She also chairs Peak Link, the Company’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and is a founding member of the W Collective, a resource and networking forum for women in student housing.

Alaina Jackson has been promoted to Director of Sales and Marketing.  She has been with PeakMade for nearly 10 years and has served in various roles, most recently as Regional Sales Manager over a portfolio of properties and all new developments.  In her new role, Alaina will have direct oversight of the company’s sales efforts and will provide leadership to the Regional Sales Manager and National Leasing Specialist teams. She will also maintain responsibility for new development and build-to-rent (BTR) leasing and marketing.

“Over the last 6-years I have been fortunate to work alongside Peak’s incredibly talented marketing team, and in that time, I’ve watched them provide world class support to our portfolio, playing a major role in our leasing success,“ said Ashly Poyer, now Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Blending our most valuable resources, our people, onto one seamless sales and marketing team will allow us to take our efforts to the next level and Alaina’s promotion will help evolve our sales team strategy for the future.”

“Both Ashly and Alaina are proven, exceptional leaders at Peak, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue to expand their responsibilities and influence within the organization” said Casey Petersen, Chief Operating Officer at PeakMade. “As we look forward at the future of our business and the multifamily sector at large, we are investing heavily in evolving our operating platform. Ashly and Alaina will be outstanding contributors to those efforts.”

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for conventional multifamily and student apartments.  PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com.

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PEAKMADE HIRES CHRIS WARNER AS DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES

Director of Client Services - Chris Warner

PEAKMADE HIRES CHRIS WARNER AS DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SERVICES

ATLANTA, GA – July 15, 2022 – PeakMade Real Estate, a leading diversified real estate development and property management company, announced today the new appointment of Chris Warner to Director of Client Services.

Chris joins PeakMade Real Estate with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the multifamily and real estate industry after spending 5 years at Marcus and Millichap’s Manhattan office as a Senior Associate focused on Manhattan investment sales for both commercial and resident properties. While there, he closed more than $750 million worth of real estate transactions, including the $86,000,000 sale of a large apartment building on the Upper East Side which sold at a record low cap rate, The New Jersey portfolio, which sold for $92,500,000 and was comprised of 24 properties and over 700 units, and The Perch, Manhattan’s first Passive House.  In his second year, he was rewarded with the coveted Rising Star Award, an honor given to Marcus & Millichap’s most promising young professionals.

“I am super excited to join this amazing company and the client services team,” said Chris Warner. “I am looking forward to assisting our clients execute their multifamily strategies across the country and growing PeakMade’s presence.”

Chris will be focused on helping our current and future clients with their multifamily growth efforts, thereby growing Peak’s 3rd party management platform.

I’m thrilled to expand the Client Services team and give our clients access to a resource with a strong background in multifamily brokerage like Chris,” said Mark Winkelmann, Vice President.   “I’m confident that our current and future clients will see the tremendous value that our team brings to opportunities that they are pursuing.”

Christopher is a Hobart and William Smith College graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In his free time, Chris enjoys golf, sailing, and rooting for his favorite NY sports teams.

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for conventional multifamily and student apartments.  PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com.

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PEAKMADE AND BLUE VISTA CLOSE CONSTRUCTION FINANCING ON TWO NEW DEVELOPMENTS

peakmade apartment management of Theory Gainesville

PeakMade Real Estate (“Peak”) and Blue Vista Capital Management (“Blue Vista”) recently closed construction financing on Theory Gainesville located just blocks from the University of Florida and Theory Interlock located just west of Georgia Tech in the vibrant West Midtown sub-market.  These projects represent a continued expansion of Peak/Blue Vista’s Theory-branded development portfolio in major university markets. Construction financing for Theory Gainesville was provided by Squaremile/Pac-West.  Construction financing for Theory Interlock was provided by Truist.

Upon completion, Theory Gainesville will contain 298 units and 861 beds across 4 unique buildings and offer a variety of unit types from studio to five-bedroom and townhome units. The project is in a premier location just northeast of the University of Florida campus and minutes from downtown Gainesville.  The fully furnished units will include market leading features and finishes.  The project’s robust amenity package will include a rooftop pool and state-of-the art fitness center, large club rooms, numerous study/meeting spaces, and two parking garages with ample scooter and bike parking.

Theory Interlock will contain 240 units and 674 beds in a 7-story mid-rise building offering a variety of unit types from studio to five-bedroom and townhome units. The project is part of the Interlock mixed-use development which is a premier destination in Atlanta’s West Midtown submarket just blocks from Georgia Tech.  The project will sit above a new Publix grocery store and be adjacent to other brand name retail and restaurant tenants.  The project’s amenities include a rooftop pool and state-of-the-art fitness center, two outdoor courtyards, a spacious 2-story club room, and ample parking, study rooms and meeting spaces.

Both projects are scheduled to open for the Fall 2023 academic year.

“These are tremendous projects within walking distance of two thriving universities.  We are extremely excited to continue the growth of the Theory brand and to serve the growing student housing needs in these major university markets.” commented Jeff Githens, President of Development.

“Blue Vista is thrilled to partner with Peak on these two development projects that have been in planning for years.  The hard work, dedication and experience of Peak’s development team helped us overcome multiple challenges and complexities and we are now poised to deliver two Class A student housing projects at two of the most prestigious and dynamic universities in the country.” states Jason Schwartz, Managing Principal & Co-Head of Blue Vista Equity Group.

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for conventional multifamily and student apartments. PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com.

About Blue Vista

Blue Vista is a leading investment management firm focused on helping investors maximize returns through best-in-class real estate equity and credit strategies across the risk-return spectrum. Blue Vista offers investors the benefits of a vertically integrated platform, complementary strategies managed by experienced teams, and deep expertise as an owner, operator and lender across all property types and various markets in the U.S. and Canada. Since its inception in 2002, the firm has invested over $11.8 billion in total capitalization, with the goal of challenging the status quo, setting high standards and bringing a relationship-based, client-focused approach to real estate investing. For more information, please visit https://bluevistallc.com/.

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PEAK CAMPUS AND PEAKMADE COMMUNITIES ARE NOW PEAKMADE REAL ESTATE

PeakMade team members posing at a conference event

PeakMade Real Estate announced that they will be retiring the Peak Campus and PeakMade Communities brands and evolving their identity to operate under one voice and one company, PeakMade Real Estate. This brand strategy will allow Peak to continue to grow as a vertically integrated real estate services company, while retaining the legacy of their initial brands.

“When we established PeakMade Real Estate, it was always our goal to create a consistent approach to how we work in all aspects of our business, whether working under our student platform, Peak Campus or our multifamily platform, PeakMade Communities,” said Bob Clark, Chief Executive Officer. “We knew that this was just the beginning, and at a pivotal moment in our journey, we would move into phase 2 of our brand: bridging the gap between our platforms and creating a space where everyone under PeakMade could thrive, work together, and be a valuable partner in any aspect of our business.”

Alongside the brand strategy update, PeakMade Real Estate has also worked towards launching a new website, consolidated social media platforms, and will continue to meet the needs of their clients under a brand that aligns with their expansion into new verticals such as build-to-rent and technology services.

“We are very excited to unite our brands under the PeakMade name,” said Casey Petersen, Chief Operating Officer for PeakMade Real Estate. “We have big plans to continue to grow our platform in new verticals, and PeakMade provides us a springboard with which to do so.”

ABOUT PEAKMADE REAL ESTATE

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for conventional multifamily and student apartments.  PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community.

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PEAKMADE REAL ESTATE ANNOUNCES THE PROMOTION OF MIKE SHARPENBERG TO SENIOR DIRECTOR OF FINANCIAL PLANNING AND ANALYSIS

Mike joined PeakMade Real Estate’s Accounting Team in December 2012 as a corporate staff accountant and senior accountant, then quickly received increased responsibilities to expand and lead the Financial Planning and Analysis team as a Senior Financial Analyst, Manager of FP&A and Director of FP&A, respectively. His new role will allow him to support and advise on more company-wide initiatives while continuing to provide oversight to the FP&A team.

“Mike quickly demonstrated a sound business and financial acumen, along with a solid command and in-depth understanding of our business,” said Wendy Walker, Chief Financial Officer for PeakMade Real Estate. “Mike consistently exceeds expectations, provides analytical support to every corner of the business and has proven to be one of Peak’s most valuable players.”

“I have been given so many opportunities to work outside of my comfort zone, always with unwavering and unlimited support, and because of that I have grown not only professionally, but personally as well,” said Mike Sharpenberg in response to his promotion.  “Peak makes me better and I like to think that I make Peak better as well.”

ABOUT PEAKMADE REAL ESTATE

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, offering property management, development, and consulting services for conventional multifamily and student apartments.  PeakMade Real Estate was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners. When something is PeakMade, it’s not only built upon expertise and experience, it’s built upon a foundation of community. For more information on PeakMade Real Estate, visit www.peakmade.com.

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PeakMade Launches Growspace, Powered by Blue Ocean Brain and The Peak Link

Growspace was created in response to employees seeking more educational resources centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion development.  The Peak Link Council collaborated with Blue Ocean Brain to ensure that the platform would meet employees needs and also fulfill their overall mission to connect people and their experiences by creating platforms to learn, feel valued, and be a part of the change.

“Working with the team at PeakMade to create a space for their employees to learn & grow at work has been fantastic. The team is so passionate about Growspace and it shows,“ said Marcy Osborn, Client Success Manager at Blue Ocean Brain.

Growspace offers courses ranging from DEI topics like confirmation bias, celebrating diversity, and understanding intersectionality to leadership lessons like empathy in the workplace, cultivating compassion, and empowering your teams.

“This platform gives us an opportunity to learn, grow, & evolve as individuals who can positively influence our teams & communities.  We can make an impact and it starts with each of us making the commitment,” commented Jennifer Hill, Chief People Officer and Executive Sponsor of The Peak Link Council.

Featured lessons are highlighted every month within the platform to keep conversations relevant to current events and diverse celebrations like Juneteenth, Pride Month, AAPI Month and more.

PeakMade recently reported that over 120 managers and leaders have accessed over 400 lessons and completed over 240 brain exercises within the first week of launch.

“We are so excited about the engagement with Growspace just one week after launch, our associates are hungry for diversity, equity, and inclusion resources. Launching Growspace is a huge step to bringing our diversity mission to life, and reinforces Peak’s commitment to a workplace powered by diversity and focused on inclusion,” added Ashly Poyer, Vice President of Sales and Council Chair of The Peak Link.

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, operating multiple brands for management, development, and advisory services for conventional multifamily and student apartments. PeakMade Real Estate provides support and infrastructure to its subsidiary companies, Peak Campus, one of the leading private developers and operators of student housing apartments in the U.S., and PeakMade Communities, a boutique conventional multifamily development and management company. The PeakMade Real Estate family of brands was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners.

About The Peak Link

The Diversity and Inclusion Council for PeakMade Real Estate is tasked with promoting and supporting the companies’ vision for a diverse and inclusive community for all associates, customers, and stakeholders. Centered on education, awareness and action, the Council aims to collaborate both internally and externally on new ways to approach issues of equality in areas such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation. The council plays an important role in ensuring that Peak is a place people can learn, feel valued, and be part of the change.

About Blue Ocean Brain

Blue Ocean Brain was founded to create exceptional learning served up in the way our brains learn best and believes that companies can achieve amazing success when their people have opportunities to learn and grow daily.  They are dedicated to designing and delivering the best possible microlearning experiences. Learn more about them at www.blueoceanbrain.com.

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PeakMade Real Estate Hires Chief Technology Officer And Announces Key Promotions

image of Downtown Atlanta where PeakMade real estate management company is headquartered

PeakMade Real Estate, one of the nation’s leading apartment operators, announced today the hiring of Jeff Eckard as Chief Technology Officer and the promotion of several key team members.

 

A veteran in the real estate industry for more than 32 years, Jeff Eckard began his career working in a hotel as a front desk and night audit associate. Prior to joining Peak Made Real Estate, Jeff held senior technology leadership positions at InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) for 22 years. Prior to IHG, Jeff was with Marriott International where he held roles of increasing responsibility in technology with extended-stay and limited-service brands. As Chief Technology Officer for PeakMade, Jeff will have responsibility for overseeing the successful delivery of property, corporate and business intelligence technology solutions, initiatives, and infrastructure services across all PeakMade businesses. He brings an emphasis on customer service experience, maximizing client/operations value related to their investments and enabling innovative improvements for Peak, Clients and Customer stakeholders.

Ashly Poyer has been promoted to Vice President of Sales. She joined the Company in 2010 as a part-time leasing consultant in Huntsville, TX and quickly became the first regional marketing and leasing specialist for the Company. After relocating to Atlanta, GA, she has led Peak’s national Sales team since 2016 in both Director and Senior Director capacities. She is the architect and visionary behind the Company’s Sales department and is an active leader in other areas of the Company and the broader multifamily and student housing industries.

Opal Cox has been promoted to Senior Director of Operations. Having joined the Company in 2007, Opal has held roles of increasing responsibilities, including the oversight of the national operations support teams and overseeing policies and procedures for the Company. She has also led numerous company initiatives, most recently the portfolio-wide migration to a new Property Management System. In her expanded role, Opal will have oversight of National Facilities and Learning and Development teams in addition to operations support.

Maria Filippone has been promoted to Senior Director of Marketing. In her five years with the Company, Maria has been instrumental in evolving Peak’s property marketing platform, specifically expanding the Company’s digital strategy, and recently led a portfolio-wide website migration. Her new role will allow her to support and advise on corporate marketing strategy while continuing to lead property marketing support functions. Prior to joining the Company, Maria served in regional marketing support roles for Greystar.

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, operating multiple brands for management, development, and advisory services for conventional multifamily and student apartments. PeakMade Real Estate provides support and infrastructure to its subsidiary companies, Peak Campus, one of the leading private developers and operators of student housing apartments in the U.S., and PeakMade Communities, a boutique conventional multifamily development and management company. The PeakMade Real Estate family of brands was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners.

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Peak Campus Debuts New Brands PeakMade Real Estate & PeakMade Communities

pink tint peakmade merch

For the past decade, the team at Peak Campus has been singularly focused on providing best-in-class property management, development and consulting services to our clients in student housing by bringing together the best people in the business, and then giving them the platform, culture and resources to thrive. To that end, Peak Campus has developed over 15,000 beds of purpose-built student housing, and currently manages nearly 50,000 beds, with a combined valuation of more than $3 billion for investors nationwide.

“Over the years, as our relationships with our partners have expanded, we’ve been continually asked whether we would consider venturing into other non-student housing management and development services.” said PeakMade Real Estate’s CEO Bob Clark. “As those requests continued, we began resource planning and making investments in both systems and personnel. We decided last year to take on a few assignments which will take place under the PeakMade Communities brand.”

Peak Campus will remain highly focused on student housing. PeakMade Real Estate will be the new home of all executive oversight, support functions and shared services. The PeakMade Real Estate team will continue to provide the same high level of support to Peak Campus, as well as PeakMade Communities, and the new structure will provide the ability to explore new opportunities in the future.

”As we continue to grow our student apartment development platform, we see other residential and multi-family development opportunities in the markets that we serve. Having the PeakMade Real Estate master brand allows us to more effectively pursue these other asset classes and establish new real estate verticals under a single master brand,” said PeakMade Real Estate’s President of Development, Jeff Githens.

About PeakMade Real Estate

PeakMade Real Estate, based in Atlanta, GA, is a diversified real estate services company, operating multiple brands for management, development, and advisory services for conventional multifamily and student apartments. PeakMade Real Estate provides support and infrastructure to its subsidiary companies, Peak Campus, one of the leading private developers and operators of student housing apartments in the U.S., and PeakMade Communities, a boutique conventional multifamily development and management company. The PeakMade Real Estate family of brands was built to execute on strategies consistent with the goals and long-term investment strategies of its partners.