Small-Scale Development: Eight Case Studies of Entrepreneurial Projects

While many American development firms today are very large and corporate in nature, many entrepreneurs who want to pursue their own development dreams and interests create new firms each year. Small-scale projects involve basically the same development process as that for a large project—engaging in market and financial analysis, planning the program, getting approvals, obtaining financing, hiring designers and consultants, managing contractors and construction, and marketing, leasing, and managing the property—though often with limited capital, resources, and staff. This publication provides a detailed look at the stories behind eight successful small-scale developments and how they were put together. In addition to the case studies themselves, this report provides a brief overview of the key traits for this group of case studies, as well as the lessons learned for each project. Case Studies Featured: • Multifamily Residential Developments o ECO Modern Flats (Fayetteville, Arkansas) o Oslo (Washington, D.C.) o The Rose (Minneapolis, Minnesota) • Multifamily Residential Developments with Commercial Space o AF Bornot Dye Works (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) o Sofia Lofts (San Diego, California) • Commercial Developments o 21c Museum Hotel Cincinnati (Cincinnati, Ohio) o Bullitt Center (Seattle, Washington) o Trinity Groves (Dallas, Texas)