Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Multifamily Housing Solutions
Crown Equities Real Estate Development has been a leader in real estate development and management for over four decades, specializing in sustainable multifamily housing, affordable housing, and mixed-use projects. Our expertise spans the entire development lifecycle, from land acquisition and municipal entitlements to construction management and long-term property management. We leverage a vertically integrated approach, combining in-house teams of financing experts, attorneys, and development professionals to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient communities.With a national footprint and a focus on innovation, we prioritize client satisfaction through transparent communication and adherence to rigorous industry standards. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in over 1,500 units across active projects in Minnesota, Florida, Connecticut, and beyond.
Services
Multifamily Housing Development
Affordable Housing Management
Land Development
Property Management
Energy-Efficient Construction
Mixed-Use Projects
Tax Credit Financing
Senior Housing Development
Townhome Rentals
Commercial Real Estate
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of experience in multifamily and affordable housing development.
- Our team manages projects from land acquisition to construction and long-term operations.
- We specialize in energy-efficient green building certifications like NGBS.
- We utilize diverse financing options including HUD programs and tax credits.
- Our national reach includes active projects in 8+ states with 1,500+ units.
What people say
Exceptional project management
Energy-efficient designs
Experienced leadership team
Reliable property management
Transparent communication
Services
Multifamily Housing Development
We develop market-rate and affordable multifamily housing, including conventional apartments and luxury townhomes with modern amenities. Our projects integrate energy-efficient features like solar panels and smart thermostats while adhering to HUD and tax credit financing requirements. With expertise in municipal entitlements and construction management, we deliver scalable solutions for urban and suburban markets.
Affordable Housing Management
We specialize in managing income-based housing for seniors, families, and individuals through Section 8 and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit programs. Our services include compliance with federal regulations, tenant support, and property maintenance. With 45+ years of experience, we operate over 1,000 affordable units nationwide while maintaining partnerships with nonprofit organizations and government agencies.
Land Development
Our land development services encompass site acquisition, master planning, and municipal approvals for residential and mixed-use projects. We handle feasibility studies, environmental assessments, and architectural design coordination. Current projects include 2,000+ acres of entitled land for multifamily, senior housing, and commercial developments across the Midwest and Southeast United States.
Energy-Efficient Construction
We incorporate sustainable design elements in all developments, including Energy Star appliances, WaterSense fixtures, and TPO cool roofing systems. Our projects pursue National Green Building Standard certification to reduce energy costs by 20-30%. This approach aligns with HUD Green MIP requirements and client demand for environmentally responsible housing solutions.
Property Management
We provide comprehensive management for multifamily, senior housing, and commercial properties, including leasing, maintenance, and financial reporting. Our team oversees 150+ projects nationwide, ranging from 50-unit apartment complexes to 300-unit mixed-use developments. Services extend to investor relations, budgeting, and compliance with federal housing programs.
People
Thomas LaSalle
Principal
With 45+ years of real estate experience, Thomas LaSalle leads Crown's development strategy, focusing on senior housing and office park management. He previously served as University of Minnesota Alumni Club President and banking board director.
Jack Brandt
President
Jack Brandt oversees financial modeling and HUD financing for multifamily projects. A University of Minnesota graduate, he specializes in tax-exempt bonds and mixed-use developments with 40+ years of industry expertise.
Susan Veeder
Director of Finance
Susan Veeder manages investor relations and tax-exempt bond financing. A CPA with an MBA from Carlson School, she brings corporate finance expertise from Cargill and Liberty Mutual Group to Crown's financial operations.
Richard Bienapfl
Chief Operations Officer
With 44 years in real estate, Richard Bienapfl directs project budgeting and construction logistics for senior housing and multifamily developments, overseeing 6,000+ units and 4,000+ hotel keys during his career.
Derek Brandt
Executive VP-Development Services
Derek Brandt specializes in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit projects and HUD financing for senior and multifamily housing. He graduated from the University of Iowa and leads Crown's development consulting services.
Questions
What types of housing does Crown Equities develop?
We develop market-rate apartments, luxury townhomes, affordable housing, senior living communities, and mixed-use projects with commercial components.
Do you offer financing options for developers?
Yes, we utilize HUD programs, tax-exempt bonds, conventional financing, and joint-venture partnerships to fund projects ranging from $10M to $550M.
How do you ensure energy efficiency in buildings?
Our developments include solar panels, WaterSense fixtures, Energy Star appliances, and TPO roofing systems to meet National Green Building Standards.
Can I apply for affordable housing units?
Yes, we manage Section 8 and tax credit properties. Applications require income verification through local housing authorities or property managers.
What geographic areas do you operate in?
We develop and manage properties in Minnesota, Florida, Connecticut, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Kansas, Indiana, and New Jersey.
Do you handle hotel-to-apartment conversions?
Yes, we specialize in adaptive reuse projects, converting hotels into senior housing and multifamily apartments using HUD 232 and 221d4 financing.
