Developers have a unique gift — the ability to envision something that is not there yet…
Whether it’s a raw piece of land untouched by development, an old mall that has long served its purpose, an old arena that is no longer in use, or a city hall that was built during a unique point in time that no longer meets today’s code or the needs of the people it was built to serve.
They also have the ability to sell that vision to others to raise the money to fund their dream — be it through equity partners, friends and family, or lenders. They then gather and lead the team to design and build their vision, working through all the constraints imposed by the city and code.
They also find the right people to occupy the space they create, or to purchase their vision — sometimes before it’s even complete (if it’s a forward), or upon substantial completion, or after it has been occupied.
They have the patience and perseverance to pursue a piece of land (sometimes over years, even decades) and implement their vision.
Being a developer is not for the faint of heart, but when done right, it can bring a community together.
Yesterday’s CREW Dallas Luncheon Speaker, Mike Ablon with Pegasus Ablon, is clearly one of those developers who can not only paint a picture of what the future can hold, but also has the wherewithal to put it into action.
Thank you for sharing your vision with us yesterday and giving us insight into how you think about placemaking and the ecosystem that can be created when development is done right.
Thank you also to Jennifer Scripps with Downtown Dallas, Inc., for moderating such an insightful conversation and to CREW Dallas for hosting the luncheon.