One of our recent projects got some great attention as it hit the market. I’m really happy with that project – and I feel it’s a good example of what we do, and how we do it. I’m more of an observer than writer on online, but here’s our story. Some articles posted on this site will be excerpts from Mortar Group.
As quick background, I’m an architect licensed in NY, however early in my career I began a shift towards real estate development – mostly by accident and because I wasn’t happy with what the trajectory of a traditional architectural career looked like.
My development career began with a small 6 family deal I worked on during off hours (w a friends and family equity raise). The project took way longer than it should have and I made a ton of mistakes, but it was the start.
Fast forward almost 25 years later – The idea that Mortar Group runs on today is still the same as that first project. I felt that if architects can understand and take the reigns of the development process, they are well equipped to maximize value through smart design.
While creating value and great returns for investors, we can still create spaces that satisfy the aesthetic demand of being an architect. Control all the variables. More responsibility and risk, but full control.
30 projects later, no architecture clients, and with a small but growing group of investors that we have come to know and work with over the years, we develop small to mid-cap multi family properties in NYC – mostly in the outer boroughs. Ground up and traditional value add.