Multifamily Investment Firm Expands Portfolio with Three Acquisitions, Two Developments and Six New Hires
PENLER, an Atlanta-based multifamily real estate investment and development firm, is expanding its footprint across the Sunbelt. This growth is highlighted by a major capital milestone, extensive acquisition and development activity, and the strategic growth of its experienced team.
In the past six months, PENLER’s portfolio increased to nearly $1 billion with the acquisition of three properties and initiation of two new development projects. The firm’s total transaction volume now exceeds $1.64 billion, including six successful dispositions totaling more than $430 million.
“These investments reflect our continued commitment to thoughtful expansion in high-growth Sunbelt markets,” said Brian Metzler, managing partner at PENLER. “Eclipsing the $1 billion mark in just six years is a testament to the strength of our platform, the conviction of our capital partners and the talent of our dedicated team. We are optimistic operations and capital flows will improve and see tremendous opportunity ahead.”
Recent Acquisitions and Developments
As part of this capital deployment, PENLER recently partnered with a real estate fund advised by Crow Holdings Capital to acquire three properties throughout the Sunbelt. To increase the properties’ value and competitiveness within the rental market, the firm plans to renovate units and upgrade community amenities. These properties include:
- Botanic Waterside, a 320-unit Class A property in Sarasota/Lakewood Ranch, Florida
- Trace Midtown, a 290-unit high-rise apartment complex in Atlanta, Georgia
- Eleven85, a 288-unit garden-style property in Atlanta, Georgia
PENLER also broke ground on two new development projects in areas characterized by healthy population growth and demand for rental housing. The firm began construction on a 20-acre site planned for 294 garden-style units in Lakewood Ranch, Florida and a seven-acre downtown site zoned for 262 units in Clermont, Florida, an affluent western suburb of Orlando.
Strategic Hires Strengthen Team
To support its recent momentum, PENLER added six new employees in 2025. Leadership expansion includes Chris Doscher as managing director of construction and development, Jon Gilliam as chief financial officer and Mark Hinshaw as chief operating officer. Doscher is a 25-year industry veteran, with extensive experience in construction and multifamily development. Gilliam has more than 15 years of institutional real estate experience and will oversee PENLER’s financial strategy, capital planning and reporting efforts. Hinshaw, formerly chief financial officer at PENLER, has stepped into a broader operational role as chief operating officer.
PENLER also welcomes Daniel Harari, Wyatt Smith, Mason Valk and Riley Haynie to its growing team. In his role as vice president, Harari will lead efforts to source new development sites. To ensure the financial and operational foundation of each project, Smith joins the asset management team while Valk joins the accounting and finance team. Haynie, who joins as investment analyst, will primarily assist with acquisitions.
“After a prolonged period of depressed transactional volumes and downward rent pressure, we are excited about the future. Having the right leaders in place is essential as we prepare for continued growth,” said Graham Carpenter, managing partner at PENLER. “Chris and Jon bring a superb combination of experience, leadership and strategy. Their guidance will be critical as we expand our portfolio and drive long-term value across our properties.”
Looking ahead, PENLER will continue executing its disciplined growth strategy. The firm remains focused on markets within the Southeast’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions.
To learn more about PENLER, visit https://penler.com/.
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