Sunbelt Developers

What does it take to transform an entire district?In this episode of the Sunbelt Developers Podcast, Kevin Green of Midtown Alliance explains how Midtown Atlanta evolved from an area known for surface parking, tired retail, and safety concerns into a walkable, mixed-use urban district.We explore the planning and public investment behind Midtown’s transformation, including Blueprint Midtown, streetscape improvements, pedestrian-friendly design, and the role of public-private partnerships in creating a better experience beyond building walls.Kevin also shares the story behind Midtown Green, the $48 million purchase of a four-acre site in the heart of Midtown. After decades of failed development plans, the site presents an opportunity to create a distinctive public space and a civic attraction without walls.More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

A $560 million, 43-acre mixed-use development is taking shape in the heart of Johns Creek, Georgia. Medley is bringing together retail, restaurants, residences, offices, and public spaces to create a new town center.Join me for an on-site walkthrough of Medley to see how the project is coming together and explore the vision behind one of Johns Creek’s major developments.We worked with both Hoar Construction and Fortune-Johnson on this video. A big shout out to their teams!hoar.comfortune-johnson.comSubscribe for more tours of the projects transforming Atlanta and the Sunbelt.-Sunbelt Developers Season 3 is sponsored by Northspyre.Northspyre’s platform is built to modernize the development process, replacing outdated spreadsheets and error-prone processes with automation, analytics, and AI.Northspyre.com#MedleyJohnsCreek #RealEstateDevelopment #SunbeltDevelopersMore info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

Brian Leary is the COO of Highwoods Properties. Brian cut his teeth working on Atlantic Station - which at the time was 100-year-old steel mill in the middle of Atlanta. In this episode Brian shares the story behind some of the most transformative development projects in the Southeast and his take on the future of Sunbelt office investments.We cover:The origin story of Atlantic StationLeading the Atlanta Beltline through the Great Financial CrisisWhy the "commute worthy" office is winningHighwoods' strategy across Dallas, Charlotte, and NashvilleThe future of the workplace in an AI-driven world--Sunbelt Developers is in partnership with Northspyre.Northspyre's platform is built to modernize the development process, replacing outdated spreadsheets and error-prone processes with automation, analytics, and AI.Check them out at northspyre.com--If you have any commercial real estate needs, please reach out.Tim [email protected] info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

Steve Nygren has spent decades influencing how people experience Atlanta and how communities can be built differently. From launching the Pleasant Peasant and growing a restaurant company across eight states to helping shape the early vision for Midtown and ultimately founding Serenbe, Nygren’s career has centered around creating places that bring people together.In this episode we cover:Building the Pleasant Peasant and growing from one Atlanta restaurant into a major hospitality businessThe early transformation of Midtown Atlanta and the creation of the Midtown AllianceLeaving city life behind and the unexpected story of discovering the land that would become SerenbeCreating a development model that combines density, preserved green space, agriculture, walkability, and communitySteve’s vision for the future of development and why connecting people with nature could shape the next generation of communities--Sunbelt Developers is in partnership with Northspyre.Northspyre's platform is built to modernize the development process, replacing outdated spreadsheets and error-prone processes with automation, analytics, and AI.Check them out at northspyre.com--If you have any commercial real estate needs, please reach out.Tim [email protected] info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

Kasim Reed helped shape a transformational period in Atlanta’s growth during his eight years as mayor. From Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Yards to the Atlanta Beltline and State Farm Arena, Reed shares the stories behind some of the projects and decisions that helped position Atlanta for its next era of growth.In this episode we cover:The behind-the-scenes story of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and keeping the Falcons in AtlantaThe relationships and negotiations behind Centennial Yards and the redevelopment of the GulchRestructuring the Atlanta Beltline’s finances to keep the project moving forwardMajor development, corporate investment, and economic growth during his time as mayorKasim’s perspective on Atlanta’s future, including the potential for high-speed rail to Savannah--Sunbelt Developers is in partnership with Northspyre.Northspyre's platform is built to modernize the development process, replacing outdated spreadsheets and error-prone processes with automation, analytics, and AI.Check them out at northspyre.com--If you have any commercial real estate needs, please reach out.Tim [email protected]  More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

What separates standard real estate transactions from legacy developments that stand the test of time?In this episode of the Sunbelt Developers Podcast, we sit down with Allen Morris, Chairman and CEO of The Allen Morris Company, to break down the core philosophy behind his firm's multi-billion-dollar portfolio—including the iconic $1.5 billion Star Metals district in West Midtown Atlanta.From turning down profitable deals that lack soul to spending "ridiculously expensive" capital on hotel-style amenities and cantilevered architecture, Allen reveals how building for human experience creates landmark developments that outperform the market even during severe economic headwinds.--Sunbelt Developers is in partnership with Northspyre.Northspyre's platform is built to modernize the development process, replacing outdated spreadsheets and error-prone processes with automation, analytics, and AI.Check them out at northspyre.com--If you have any commercial real estate needs, please reach out.Tim [email protected]  More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

Mike Plant has spent his career at the intersection of sports, business, and development. From competing as an Olympic speed skater to helping bring the 1996 Olympic Games to Atlanta, Plant eventually joined the Atlanta Braves and played a pivotal role in the team’s move to Cobb County and the creation of Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta.In this episode we cover:• Competing in the Olympics and building a career in the Olympic movement• Moving to Atlanta to work for Ted Turner and eventually joining the Atlanta Braves• Building Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta in just 30 months• Creating a mixed-use model that has attracted sports organizations from around the worldSunbelt Developers is in partnership with Northspyre.Northspyre's platform is built to modernize the development process, replacing outdated spreadsheets and error-prone processes with automation, analytics, and AI.Check them out at northspyre.com--If you have any commercial real estate needs, please reach out.Tim [email protected]  More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

Thank you for following along with our journey!It doesn't feel real that this project has made it this far.These interviews have been a passion project of mine that continues to gain attention, and as long as people enjoy what we put out, we'll keep going.This season we'll be doing multiple hardhat tours, experimenting with live events, and taking things to new levels.We've partnered with Northspyre an incredible Real Estate Development Management Software - https://www.northspyre.com/As shared in the video, if you'd like to join the Sunbelt Developers community, please reach out to [email protected] info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

Why did an active freight rail corridor turn into Atlanta’s most sought-after urban district? Long before Howell Mill Road became a bustling hub for dining and luxury retail, Chris Faussemagne, Partner at Westbridge, was pioneering West Midtown’s industrial transformation. From converting historic meatpacking plants like White Provision and Stockyards into landmark adaptive reuse projects, to engineering the famous pedestrian bridge over active train tracks, Chris shares two decades of insight into scaling walkable urban districts.  This episode breaks down the real estate strategies that shaped West Midtown—including the hard pivot away from office space at West Side Paper, preserving local institutions like Northside Tavern amid high-rise developments like Star Metals, and solving parking and restaurant friction. Chris also explores how upcoming BeltLine infrastructure and projects like "The Hill" at the Waterworks will impact future property values.  For developers, investors, brokers, and urban planners, this conversation provides a practical masterclass in Sunbelt real estate development, asset pivots, and urban revitalization. If you have a commercial real estate need, please reach out. My team and I have incredible resources through Cushman & Wakefield to help with any need you have.More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

What does it take to turn a cardboard prototype into a $2 billion business movement? In this episode of the Sunbelt Developers Podcast, hosts Tim Wright and Zach Bean, Executive Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield, sit down with Jason McCann, Co-Founder and CEO of Vari. Famous for creating the sit-stand VariDesk movement and growing into a full-scale workspace innovation leader serving 98% of Fortune 500 companies, Vari is fundamentally reshaping commercial real estate.  The conversation covers the evolution of workplace real estate: how flexible spaces, hospitality-first amenities, modular design, and AI-driven efficiency are redefining the modern office landscape. Jason breaks down his journey from consumer products like Big Mouth Billy Bass to scaling Vari into a multi-asset landlord. He reveals how VariSpace converted a 90% vacant 22-acre campus into an 80%+ occupied community hub, why 10- to 12-year office leases are making a comeback in DFW, and how AI visualization is helping tenants execute 45-day move-ins.  Whether you are a commercial developer, broker, investor, or business owner navigating the future of work, this masterclass offers actionable insights into capital efficiency, space-as-a-service models, and resilient leadership.  Key Highlights:• The cardboard box origin story and the flight that changed everything• How Vari scaled into a workspace solutions giant with 300+ products• The Space-as-a-Service model: turning distressed assets into vibrant communities• Why modern office tenants are locking in 7- to 12-year leases• How Vari uses Claude and AI tools to save time on financial modeling and sales test fits• The role of hospitality, biophilia, and energy in driving office occupancy• Leading through crisis, maintaining workplace culture, and giving back  #CommercialRealEstate #OfficeDevelopment #Vari #PropTech #SunbeltDevelopersMore info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre