Premier multifamily management firm continues substantial growth in hot market segment

Charlotte, NC - RKW Residential, one of the nation’s fastest-growing multifamily management firms, added over 1,400 units to its rapidly expanding portfolio of build-to-rent (BTR) community management assignments. A pioneer in the emerging market segment, RKW consulted on its first BTR project in 2018 and now has over 5,000 BTR units under management or consulting.

The newest BTR community assignments are located in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. RKW was tapped to oversee leasing and management of the communities from both new and existing clients. Developers in these Sun Belt states are moving quickly to accommodate significant demand for BTR product from renters seeking more living space and privacy than conventional apartment buildings can offer.

“We were an early adopter in the BTR space and have an established playbook for operational success at these communities,” RKW CEO Marcie Williams said. “That enables us to earn repeat business from existing clients and form new relationships with BTR developers. We look forward to continuing our strategic growth in the sector.”

One new client, Hopper Communities, hired RKW to manage three of its BTR communities in the Charlotte market: Crossings at NoDa, Enderly Towns and Towns at Eastland. Hopper is based in Charlotte and focuses its development activity on the Carolinas and Austin, Texas.

RKW’s expanded relationships with existing clients include Mandrake Capital Partners (Easthaven in Pooler, Georgia), Stellar Communities (Havens at Central Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida) and Sands Companies (Argent Cottages in Hardeeville, South Carolina). RKW manages the full portfolio of Sands, a Myrtle Beach-based BTR developer.

Fueled by this growth, RKW has been recognized during IMN’s Build-to-Rent Industry Awards in the Property Management Company of the Year category each of the past two years.

XXX

About RKW Residential

RKW is an award-winning third-party multifamily property management firm headquartered in Charlotte with regional offices in Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and Raleigh. With over 35,000 multifamily and build-to-rent units under management and consulting and a growing footprint spanning eight states, RKW is built on the foundation of its People First Philosophy, which prioritizes client relationships, employee satisfaction, and top-tier customer service for its residents. RKW perennially appears on Multi-Housing News List of Top Multifamily Property Management Firms in the U.S. and just reached significant milestones by surging to No. 2 in J Turner Research’s 2023 ORA® Power Ranking and making its first appearance in the National Multifamily Housing Council’s 2023 Top 50 Managers ranking, which is based on portfolio size as of Jan. 1, 2023. RKW was also honored by Multifamily Executive with a 2023 MFE Award in the “Best Use of Proptech” category. To learn more, visit www.rkwresidential.com.

New Zora Living offering redefines standard for luxury rental home projects

Charlotte, NC - RKW Residential, one of the nation’s fastest-growing multifamily management firms, officially launched leasing at Charlotte’s newest build-to-rent (BTR) community, Zora University in the sought after suburb of University City.  The pet friendly Zora University sets a new benchmark for luxurious amenities, services and smart home features in a community environment.

Zora University is one of the nation’s newest BTR communities delivering professionally managed, cluster rental homes  providing residents with the unique opportunity to  enjoy all the benefits of single-family living without burdens that often come with homeownership such as expensive long-term mortgage payments, never ending maintenance costs, property insurance, homeowners association fees or property taxes.

The one and two-bedroom ranch-style homes at Zora University are intentionally designed to create spaces for gathering and socializing, with spacious open floor plans and kitchens appointed with large islands. Smart home features include keyless entry, smart thermostats and lights. Each home has its own private, walk-up entrance, doggy door and individually fenced backyard, and is connected to neighborhood amenities by a network of walking paths.

Amenities at the gated community include a 24/7 fitness center with a yoga lawn, resort-inspired swimming pool, poolside sun deck, outdoor barbecue grills, open-air courtyards and 24-hour emergency maintenance.

“Zora University truly has no counterpart in the Charlotte market,” RKW CEO Marcie Williams said. “The Zora Living brand is elevating the standard for BTR communities when it comes to in-home features and amenity offerings.

Zora University is a joint development between Suncrest Real Estate based out of Pheonix Arizona and Pintar Investment Company, LLC based out of San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Founded just nine years ago, RKW is one of the industry’s most compelling entrepreneurial success stories in recent memory. RKW recently achieved a significant milestone by surging to No. 2 in one of the industry’s most respected resident satisfaction rankings. The firm produced the nation’s second-highest online reputation score in the J Turner Research’s 2023 ORA® Power Ranking.

RKW also made its first appearance in the National Multifamily Housing Council’s (NMHC) 2023 Top Property Managers list, a ranking of the nation’s 50 largest apartment managers. In September 2023, RKW was honored by Multifamily Executive with a 2023 MFE Award in the “Best Use of Proptech” category.

XXX

About Pintar Investment Company, LLC

Pintar Investment Company, LLC and its related companies are one of the nations foremost leaders in developing and managing residential developments.  Founded in 2009, the company has invested well over $3Billion in over 20,000 residential units across 20 different markets. 

About Zora Living

Zora Living, by Suncrest, sets the new standard for luxury rental home communities. The one-, and two-bedroom ranch-style residences offer private walk-up entrances, fenced backyards and are connected to the neighborhood’s resort-inspired amenities by a network of walking paths, fostering a true sense of community. Focused on tenant needs and desires, Zora Living prioritizes community and privacy. Strategically situated with easy access to employment, services and entertainment, Zora’s pet friendly, tech-integrated homes ensure seamless work and leisure experiences. This blend of comfort, convenience, and security forms an authentic sanctuary, enriched by captivating indoor-outdoor living dynamics.

Suncrest, a geographically diverse master developer, creates sustainable mixed-use and residential communities reflecting local character and values. Handling everything from acquisition to operation, Suncrest transforms real estate into social, environmental, and economic harmony. To learn more, visit www.suncrestreal.com.

About RKW Residential

RKW is an award-winning third-party multifamily property management firm headquartered in Charlotte with regional offices in Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and Raleigh. With over 35,000 multifamily and build-to-rent units under management and consulting and a growing footprint spanning eight states, RKW is built on the foundation of its People First Philosophy, which prioritizes client relationships, employee satisfaction, and top-tier customer service for its residents. RKW perennially appears on Multi-Housing News List of Top Multifamily Property Management Firms in the U.S. and just reached significant milestones by surging to No. 2 in J Turner Research’s 2023 ORA® Power Ranking and making its first appearance in the National Multifamily Housing Council’s 2023 Top 50 Managers ranking, which is based on portfolio size as of Jan. 1, 2023. RKW was also honored by Multifamily Executive with a 2023 MFE Award in the “Best Use of Proptech” category. To learn more, visit www.rkwresidential.com.

315-unit build-to-rent project fills void for new rental housing in growing Town of Leland 

Leland, NC — Sands Companies, a full-service, vertically integrated multifamily development and construction firm, is welcoming residents to its Cape Cottage Apartment Homes in the Town of Leland – just west of Wilmington, North Carolina. The detached, horizontal cottage-style development expands the firm’s trendsetting and award-winning build-to-rent concept to this rapidly growing market. 

Located on Westgate Boulevard, Cape Cottage Apartment Homes comprises 315 one and two-story cottages. The one, two and three-bedroom cottages range from 510 to 1,293 square feet. 

“We are thrilled to commence move-ins at Cape Cottage Apartment Homes,” said Sands CEO Joe Morrison. “Before our project’s completion, the Wilmington area did not have spacious, detached cottages like these in its rental pool. The tremendous interest we are getting from prospective renters reflects how Cape Cottage is addressing pent-up demand for such horizontal apartments.” 

Cape Cottage’s in-home features include front porches, plank flooring, chef’s kitchens, vaulted ceilings, side pet yards* and walk-in showers* (***available in some cottages). The cottages are designed to allow for an abundance of natural light.  

The community has numerous amenities for residents, such as a resort-style pool with a sun shelf, private poolside cabanas with lounge seating, fitness center with Echelon fitness mirrors and spin bikes, private workstation pods and a game lounge.  

Leland is one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing towns. It has nearly doubled its population since 2010 and is projected to possibly triple it by 2045. The town’s Leland 2045 master plan forecasts a need for 6,700 new homes to keep up with Leland’s growth over the next 25 years.  

RKW Residential oversees leasing and management of Cape Cottage on behalf of Sands. For more information, visit https://livecapecottages.com/.  

Sands first developed the concept to build detached, horizontal apartments in 2014, many years before the model was adopted by others in the multifamily industry. The firm now has a rapidly growing portfolio of new developments in the Carolinas, Georgia and coastal Florida. 

### 

About Sands Companies: Sands Companies was founded in 2014 based on the mission to build homes in neighborhoods that enrich the community. Sands’ developments are designed with quality craftsmanship and a vision that is ahead of the curve in the multi-family industry. Sands’ reputation is built on integrity, discipline and enthusiasm that stand as the foundation for every home we build. It is with that foundation we maintain a relationship of trust with every homeowner, team member and project expert that we encounter. For more information, visit www.sandscompanies.com.  

New Regional Vice President Laura Rodriguez brings wealth of experience to premier multifamily management firm

Miami, FL - RKW Residential, one of the nation’s fastest-growing multifamily management firms, strengthened its leadership team in Florida with the arrival of new Regional Vice President of Operations Laura Rodriguez. The industry veteran comes to RKW with nearly three decades of property management experience covering all asset classes.

Rodriguez previously held important roles with numerous top-tier developers and management firms, including Housing Trust Group, Alliance Residential, ZRS Management and Equity Residential. At RKW, she is responsible for the day-to-day operational oversight of the Florida region. Rodriguez works closely with third-party owners to plan and execute strategies that drive portfolio performance, while providing leadership and cultivating a strong culture for the region.

“Laura Rodriguez is a proven leader who will produce tremendous results for our clients throughout Florida,” RKW Senior Vice President – Operations Johnny De La Espriella said. “She brings vast knowledge of every multifamily product type. We are thrilled to welcome her to the RKW family.”

Rodriguez earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Psychology. A passionate Gator, Rodriguez cut her teeth in leasing apartments during her undergraduate years.

“After having the opportunity to spend time with RKW team members, it is clear why the company is known for having ‘expert people,’” Rodriguez said. “I am so excited to work closely with our amazing teams across Florida.”

Founded just eight years ago, RKW is one of the industry’s most compelling entrepreneurial success stories in recent memory.

The company recently surged to No. 2 in the nation for online reputation. It also debuted in the National Multifamily Housing Council’s (NMHC) 2023 Top Property Managers list of the nation’s 50 largest apartment managers.

XXX

About RKW Residential

RKW is an award-winning third-party multifamily property management firm headquartered in Charlotte with regional offices in Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and Raleigh. With over 35,000 multifamily and build-to-rent units under management and consulting and a growing footprint spanning eight states, RKW is built on the foundation of its People First Philosophy, which prioritizes client relationships, employee satisfaction, and top-tier customer service for its residents. Its March 2022 acquisition by Alfred, an innovative technology company named by Fast Company as one of the Top 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World, puts RKW in position to redefine the future of living by adding “Extraordinary Experiences” to its brand promise of “Expert People. Exceptional Places.” RKW appeared on the Multi-Housing News List of Top Multifamily Property Management Firms in the U.S. in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 and has also received numerous regional and national awards. The company recently reached significant milestones by making its first appearance in the National Multifamily Housing Council’s 2023 Top 50 Managers ranking, which is based on portfolio size as of Jan. 1, 2023, and surging to No. 2 in the J Turner Research’s 2023 ORA® Power Ranking for online reputation. To learn more, visit www.rkwresidential.com.

Premier multifamily management firm also jumps from Division III to Division I in J Turner Research’s 2023 ORA® Power Ranking

Charlotte, NC - RKW Residential, one of the nation’s fastest-growing multifamily management firms, just achieved another significant milestone by surging to No. 2 in one of the industry’s most respected resident satisfaction rankings. The firm produced the nation’s second-highest online reputation score in the J Turner Research’s 2023 ORA® Power Ranking.

In the newly released ranking, RKW also climbed from Division III to Division I due to the firm’s recent debut in the National Multifamily Housing Council’s (NMHC) 2023 Top Property Managers list of the nation’s 50 largest apartment managers.

Each year, J Turner Research partners with Multifamily Executive to publish the rankings, which recognize the highest-performing communities and management companies in ORA®. The organization’s model encompasses ratings from a comprehensive range of review sites and internet listing services, resulting in a single score on a 0-100 scale.

“This incredible accomplishment means so much because it centers on the extraordinary living experiences we provide to our residents,” RKW CEO Marcie Williams said. “I am deeply appreciative of every RKW team member and congratulate them for making this distinction possible.”

Founded just eight years ago, RKW is one of the industry’s most compelling entrepreneurial success stories in recent memory. The company also made MHN’s annual “Top Property Managers” list for the fourth consecutive year, ranking No. 27 in the 2022 edition.

The J Turner and NMHC distinctions come shortly after RKW continued its rise up another key national ranking based on resident satisfaction and operational excellence. The firm moved up five spots to No. 36 in the epIQ Index’s “Top Management Companies” list.

XXX

About RKW Residential

RKW is an award-winning third-party multifamily property management firm headquartered in Charlotte with regional offices in Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and Raleigh. With over 35,000 multifamily and build-to-rent units under management and consulting and a growing footprint spanning eight states, RKW is built on the foundation of its People First Philosophy, which prioritizes client relationships, employee satisfaction, and top-tier customer service for its residents. Its March 2022 acquisition by Alfred, an innovative technology company named by Fast Company as one of the Top 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World, puts RKW in position to redefine the future of living by adding “Extraordinary Experiences” to its brand promise of “Expert People. Exceptional Places.” RKW appeared on the Multi-Housing News List of Top Multifamily Property Management Firms in the U.S. in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 and has also received numerous regional and national awards. The company just reached a significant milestone by making its first appearance in the National Multifamily Housing Council’s 2023 Top 50 Managers ranking, which is based on portfolio size as of Jan. 1, 2023. To learn more, visit www.rkwresidential.com.

Key executive also serves in leadership role with important multifamily trade association

RKW Residential, one of the nation’s fastest-growing multifamily management firms, promoted key executive John DeMario to Regional Vice President overseeing a portfolio of assets in the Carolinas and Missouri. DeMario previously served as Senior Regional Manager at RKW.

An industry veteran with 17 years of property management experience, DeMario is responsible for providing strategic direction to across a portfolio of communities throughout RKW’s home base. Over the course of his career, DeMario has worked with conventional, senior, mixed-income, affordable and low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC) communities. He has a proven track record of success and superior leadership skills.

DeMario’s promotion comes shortly after he took on an important industry role as President of the Greater Charlotte Apartment Association (GCAA). GCAA is the regional trade association for the multifamily industry, promoting the interests of its members through legislative advocacy, education and networking. DeMario was a member of GCAA’s Board of Directors for four years before his appointment as the association’s President.

“We greatly appreciate John’s many contributions to RKW and the multifamily industry at large,” RKW CEO Marcie Williams said. “He is such a valuable member of our team and will surely thrive in this important new role.”

DeMario holds a Housing Credit Certified Professional accreditation and is a graduate of the GCAA Leadership Lyceum Program. He earned a bachelor's degree from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania.

Founded just eight years ago, RKW is one of the industry’s most compelling entrepreneurial success stories in recent memory. The company just reached a major milestone by making the National Multifamily Housing Council’s (NMHC) 2023 Top Property Managers list. This is the firm’s first appearance in the annual ranking of the nation’s 50 largest apartment managers.

XXX

About RKW Residential

RKW is an award-winning third-party multifamily property management firm headquartered in Charlotte with regional offices in Miami, Orlando, Atlanta and Raleigh. With over 35,000 multifamily and build-to-rent units under management and consulting and a growing footprint spanning eight states, RKW is built on the foundation of its People First Philosophy, which prioritizes client relationships, employee satisfaction, and top-tier customer service for its residents. Its March 2022 acquisition by Alfred, an innovative technology company named by Fast Company as one of the Top 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World, puts RKW in position to redefine the future of living by adding “Extraordinary Experiences” to its brand promise of “Expert People. Exceptional Places.” RKW appeared on the Multi-Housing News List of Top Multifamily Property Management Firms in the U.S. in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 and has also received numerous regional and national awards. The company just reached a significant milestone by making its first appearance in the National Multifamily Housing Council’s 2023 Top 50 Managers ranking, which is based on portfolio size as of Jan. 1, 2023. To learn more, visit www.rkwresidential.com.