Curious about how some urban spaces transform from forgotten to flourishing? Let’s dive into the incredible journey of a developer who’s turning those spaces into vibrant communities. Meet Dan Magder and Greg Shron, the co-founders of Center Creek Homes, which offers an innovative market-driven approach to housing development at scale.
Imagine this: two men, once middle school friends, cross paths unexpectedly after 25 years apart, this time at their children’s elementary school orientation. This serendipitous reunion was the spark that ignited Center Creek five years ago. Today, this real estate investment company revitalizes communities in the Richmond, VA, area with a creative and unique approach to building affordable, high-quality housing for today’s families.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Dan and Greg to hear the compelling story behind Center Creek, the hurdles they’ve navigated, and how their collaboration with Kiavi has been a game-changer in their mission.
Are you ready for a dose of inspiration mixed with practical insights into real estate development? Join us as we dive into the incredible story of their partnership.
Coincidence or fate? Center Creek Homes is born
Imagine transforming the forgotten corners of our cities into thriving communities. That’s precisely the magic Dan Magder and Greg Shron set their sights on. Their journey began with a vision to revive these underutilized spaces, calling for creativity and collaboration every step of the way. And just when things were getting interesting, an unexpected reunion with an old friend turned out to be the catalyst for an innovative urban revitalization project.
With a solid background from his time at Lone Star Funds, where he gained firsthand experience in the distressed debt market, Dan recognized a golden opportunity. He realized that certain rundown properties held untapped potential beyond mere fixer-uppers, offering a chance to truly impact local communities. This realization propelled him into real estate investing, and he hasn’t looked back since. By transforming these types of properties or vacant lots, Dan aimed to breathe new life into languishing neighborhoods, making them places people are proud to call home.
The timing was perfect when Dan unexpectedly ran into Greg, his buddy from junior high whom he hadn’t seen in years. Greg had a successful career as an architect and developer, with a knack for designing homes that enhance neighborhoods. This reunion wasn’t just a trip down memory lane—it sparked a collaboration that would soon redefine urban renewal.
I walked into a new parent orientation, and there was Greg. We hadn’t seen each other in 25 years. I mentioned I had a parcel of land I didn’t know what to do with, and Greg said, ‘I’ll design you a house.’ That’s how our journey began.
A spark of inspiration struck as they caught up, sharing stories of their respective career journeys. Dan, who had recently acquired a vacant lot and was still determining his plans for the space, found the missing piece to the puzzle in Greg. Enthusiastic and brimming with ideas, Greg offered to design a house for the lot, setting the stage for a partnership leveraging their combined expertise in real estate and architecture. Dan sums it up beautifully: “I walked into a new parent orientation, and there was Greg. We hadn’t seen each other in 25 years. I mentioned I had a parcel of land I didn’t know what to do with, and Greg said, ‘I’ll design you a house.’ That’s how our journey began.”
Together, they launched Center Creek Homes to transform underutilized urban land into lively, desirable places. Their strategy? Infill construction. By filling vacant lots, they revitalized whole neighborhoods in Richmond, VA, maximized land value, and created beloved homes. “We’re repairing a smile in the city,” muses Dan, “filling in those gaps with homes that not only enhance the urban fabric but also serve the needs of the community. That’s been our vision from the start.”
Dan and Greg’s approach was about more than just building houses; it was about thoughtfully integrating new, affordable homes into existing communities—rejuvenating and uplifting entire neighborhoods. Their story is a testament to the power of partnership, innovation, and the shared dream of crafting spaces where life thrives in every corner.
The mission and model
Under the leadership of Dan Magder and Greg Shron, Center Creek Homes has set a new standard in infill construction, turning overlooked parcels of land into vibrant, livable spaces. But what exactly fuels this innovative machine? Let’s dive in.
A mission grounded in community and creativity
At its core, Dan and Greg’s business is driven by their mission: to see value where others see vacancy. It’s about peering beyond the present state of an unused lot or a rundown property and envisioning what could be—a home, a neighborhood, a community. Through their unique partnership, these two blend expertise in real estate, architecture, and finance to not only fill the gaps in urban areas but also enhance the very essence of these neighborhoods.
Their approach is refreshingly straightforward yet impactful. Center Creek Homes strategically targets underutilized land within the city’s existing framework by focusing on infill construction. This isn’t about sprawling new developments on the outskirts of town but rather about revitalizing the heart of the city itself.
Our mission is to create houses people love in places people love to be.
At the heart of Center Creek Homes’ philosophy is a simple yet profound quote by the company’s co-founder, Greg Shron: “Our mission is to create houses people love in places people love to be.” This statement beautifully captures the essence of what they strive to achieve with every project they undertake.
A business model that builds more than homes
Center Creek does more than just build houses. It builds communities. This commitment is reflected in their business model, which emphasizes thoughtful, design-forward construction that respects and enhances the character of existing neighborhoods. Each project is a carefully considered addition to the urban landscape. It is designed to fit seamlessly into its surroundings while offering modern, affordable living spaces.
Their work isn’t confined to a single archetype. From entry-level homes that offer a stepping stone to homeownership to luxury dwellings that cater to more established buyers, this business covers the full spectrum of the market. This diversified approach meets a wide range of housing needs. It fosters diverse, vibrant communities where people from many different walks of life can find their place.
The magic of Center Creek Homes lies in its transformative ability. By turning single lots into multiple homes with smart density strategies or rejuvenating entire blocks through thoughtful design, Dan, Greg, and their team not only boost local housing markets but also contribute to the economic and social revitalization of neighborhoods. At the same time, they create move-in ready homes designed for today’s families.
Navigating the infill terrain
While expanding into infill construction, Dan and Greg encountered a few roadblocks typical of city building projects. Each project came with its own custom obstacle course, from figuring out zoning laws to building around historical spots and even making it work in tight spaces. Simply knowing how to build a house wasn’t enough for the nuanced challenges presented by infill construction. They had to learn the ins and outs of regulations and permitting, including what the community needs and how to play by the city’s rules. “Navigating the complexities of urban infill in Richmond was a steep learning curve,” says Dan. “From zoning laws to engaging with the community, each project had its unique set of challenges. But with each obstacle, we found new ways to innovate and push forward.”
One big challenge? City regulations. For example, Center Creek wanted to split one large lot into several homes, making the most out of every inch of space but still keeping true to the look and feel of an established neighborhood. While this type of land planning helps create more housing (and more affordable housing at that), it wasn’t common practice in Richmond, VA. They quickly learned that this project was all about finding that sweet spot: being creative with their designs, ensuring they checked every box for zoning, and keeping things historically on point.
This project really showed what Dan and Greg were all about. They weren’t just filling in empty spots on the map but were keeping the neighborhood’s history alive while adding new chapters. Through this large project, they proved they could play by the city’s rules and still create fresh, desirable, and affordable places for people to live.
Getting through these challenges wasn’t just about being tenacious. It required talking with city officials, listening to what people in the neighborhood had to say, and sometimes, getting a bit creative with the solutions. Their team showed that they could respect the past and build for the future at the same time. Their story is a blueprint for how to get things done right—with heart, smarts, and a solid partnership.
Spotting the hidden gems in the city
At the heart of Center Creek lies a knack for spotting diamonds in the rough—those neglected or overlooked parts of the city that most just walk past and immediately forget. Dan and Greg saw these urban gaps not as empty spaces but as canvases for something beautiful and meaningful.
Their efforts have led to some pretty amazing transformations, like breathing life into a once-dilapidated block in Richmond, VA, by creating 12 new homes. This project didn’t just change the neighborhood’s face. It boosted the whole area’s energy and economic health.
But building homes was only part of the equation. Dan and Greg knew that truly successful infill projects required a strong bond with the local community. They dove into understanding the needs and dreams of the neighborhoods they worked in, shaping their projects to offer everything from affordable housing to luxury digs. They even tackled challenging rebab projects to keep the local history alive.
Choosing Richmond as a launchpad
Richmond, VA, caught Dan and Greg’s eyes as a perfect place to achieve their mission. The city was full of untapped potential, with plenty of spaces just waiting for a touch of Center Creek’s magic. Richmond’s rich history, combined with its vibrant community and hidden pockets of space, made it an ideal setting for their work. Here, they found their stride, weaving their vision into the city’s fabric and connecting with communities to create spaces that mattered to those who lived there. “We saw potential in Richmond as a vibrant yet underserved market,” reminisced Dan. “This was about more than just making a profit. It was about contributing positively to the communities we were working in.”
Their approach was flexible, aiming to meet the diverse needs of Richmond’s residents, whether it was young professionals looking for modern living spaces or families wanting to plant roots in a tight-knit community. Dan and Greg’s work in Richmond became a blueprint for making a real impact through thoughtful construction and community collaboration.
