Our History Looking Forward Key Personnel
Over the past 28 years, Development Associates, Inc. (DAI) has invested in, developed, and built a wide range of well positioned real estate assets throughout the Southeast. Based in Savannah, Georgia, DAI has become one of the area’s prominent commercial real estate development firms. DAI has developed a wide range of project types including commercial business parks, Class A office buildings, retail centers, low income tax credit apartments, residential neighborhoods, distribution warehouses, and miscellaneous projects such as a golf course and an airplane hangar.
It is no secret that we are living in unprecedented times. The enduring uncertainty of our nation’s economic future is creating massive issues within the banking and real estate industry and its effects are being felt by almost every business and individual living in the United States and in many other countries around the world. Future trends in the real estate development industry and the viability of our company’s historical business model are not crystal clear, but what we feel is absolutely clear is that where there are unprecedented problems there are also unprecedented opportunities. The inefficiencies that exist in the current marketplace create a tremendous opportunity for savvy real estate investors looking to acquire key assets at prices not attainable in a normal, more stable real estate market. We are convinced that the best strategy for the next few, or possibly several, years is to operate as a real estate investment fund that will allow us to leverage our experience and deep network of industry contacts to create significant value by exploiting these inefficiencies of the marketplace. We are offering qualified investors an opportunity to invest alongside DAI as we seek out well-located, distressed real estate assets available at steep discounts to market value with tremendous upside potential, primarily in the Southeastern United States. For more information, please see the Investors page of our website.
Michael J. Kistler
Founder & President
Principal
Michael J. Kistler grew up in Lyons, Michigan and graduated from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan in 1973, followed by Thomas M. Cooley Law School in East Lansing, Michigan, graduating in 1976 with…
Read More
Read More
Kistler practiced law in Lansing, Michigan for approximately five years. While practicing law, Kistler became involved in investing and developing commercial real estate. In 1980, he joined First Centrum Corporation, a regional real estate development company specializing in low income housing development. While at First Centrum, Kistler first served as corporate counsel and then moved to Atlanta, GA to become President of the Southeast division. During his time at First Centrum, Kistler was involved in the development of 35 low income apartment complexes.
In 1983, Kistler formed his own development company, Development Associates, Inc., and developed apartment projects through the FmHA 515 program in both Georgia and South Carolina. In 1986, he partnered with a general contractor based in Savannah, GA and formed the NorSouth Corporation. During this time, NorSouth developed approximately 40 apartment complexes throughout the Southeast while also becoming involved in several large conventional tax credit projects. In 1990, Kistler sold his 50% interest in NorSouth to his partner who still operates the mixed-income multifamily development firm – one of the most successful such firms in the Southeast.
Since the mid 1990’s, Kistler has been heavily involved with the growth and development of Western Chatham County, developing the Savannah Park of Commerce, Southern Oaks Business Center, Woodlands Financial Center, Pooler Park of Commerce, Highlands Park of Commerce, and Towne Lake Park of Commerce as well as several office and retail properties and Crosswinds Golf Club, located at the Savannah International Airport.
Guy P. Davidson
Vice President
Principal
G.Davidson@DAI-Development.com
Guy P. Davidson grew up in Savannah, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia in 2003, earning a B.B.A. in Finance from the Terry College of Business. Upon graduation, he formed a real estate investment company…
Read More
Read More
Katherine K. Chancy
Property Manager
Katherine K. Chancy grew up in Savannah, GA and graduated from Mercer University in 2003 with a B.A. in Marketing. She began her professional career with Flag Bank in Atlanta working in their marketing department…
Read More
Read More