Sunbelt Developers

Tim Wright
  • 5.0 (1)
  • INVESTING

Interviews with commercial real estate developers that built our southern cities.

Episodes

  1. #10 - Chris Ahrenkiel - Timing the Development Cycle + Atlanta Office Leasing

    JAN 6

    #10 - Chris Ahrenkiel - Timing the Development Cycle + Atlanta Office Leasing

    In this episode, I sit down with Chris Ahrenkiel, a longtime leader in Atlanta’s commercial real estate scene. We talk about his time at Tishman Speyer, navigating the 2008 financial crisis, and developing major projects like Two and Three Alliance. Chris also shares how those experiences shaped his career and his perspective on delivering large-scale office projects in a changing market. Today, he serves as Managing Principal at Cushman & Wakefield, where he continues to play a major role in Atlanta’s commercial real estate landscape. We also discuss Atlanta’s growth and why civic involvement has been a consistent throughline in his career. Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series: ✨ Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com ✨ Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com ✨ USA Cabling – usacablingtech.com If you’re looking for commercial real estate in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to connect. #AtlantaDevelopment #CommercialRealEstate #OfficeDevelopment #AtlantaCRE #DowntownAtlanta  ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction 1:01 – Early career and path into real estate 5:13 – Sponsor Break (Songy Highroads) 6:17 – First real estate roles and early wins 8:23 – Tishman Speyer and the 2008 financial crisis 10:26 – Navigating the recession and leasing Two Alliance 16:40 – Leasing Two Alliance and developing Three Alliance 19:50 – Sponsor Break (USA Cabling) 20:54 – Three Alliance development, design, and market cycles 40:13 – Sponsor Break (Corporate Environments) 41:17 – Google Tower, civic involvement, and career reflections More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

    1h 1m

  2. 12/11/2025

    #9 - Mark Toro - Building Community and Value in Atlanta Real Estate

    In this episode, I sit down with Mark Toro to talk about his career in real estate development, from early projects like Camp Creek Marketplace and Atlantic Station to shaping Midtown Atlanta. We discuss how he approaches creating vibrant, inviting mixed-use spaces and why density, community, and activation are key to success. We also dive into the upcoming Medley in Johns Creek — a mixed-use development on the former State Farm campus. It will feature apartments, townhomes, office space, a boutique hotel, and retail and restaurants surrounding a central public plaza. Toro shares how he’s curating the mix of restaurants and events to create a true neighborhood hub. Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series: ✨ Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com ✨ Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com ✨ USA Cabling – usacablingtech.com If you’re looking for commercial real estate in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to connect. #AtlantaDevelopment #JohnsCreek #mixedusedevelopment ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Intro 0:35 – Sponsor Break (Songy Highroads) 1:24 – Early Career & Background 6:34 – Sponsor Break (Corporate Environments) 7:31 – Camp Creek & Atlantic Station 13:50 – Colony Square 16:36 – Sponsor Break (USA Cabling Technologies and Solutions) 17:02 – Midtown & Colony Square Leasing 23:30 – Colony Square Transformation 27:35 – Office Space & Avalon 32:51 – Experience & Urban Energy 38:01 – The Third Place Concept 43:23 – Medley More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

    1h 3m
  3. #8 - William Pate - World Cup 2026 and Atlanta Tourism

    12/05/2025

    #8 - William Pate - World Cup 2026 and Atlanta Tourism

    In this episode, I sit down with William Pate, the longtime leader of the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau and a major force behind Atlanta’s tourism boom. We get into how Atlanta became a top destination for conventions and major events, the impact of the Olympics and Super Bowls, and what the World Cup could mean for the city. We also talk about the future of downtown — more residential, reimagined office space, and what Atlanta needs to keep momentum going. Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series: ✨ Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com ✨ Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com ✨ USA Cabling – usacablingtech.com If you’re looking for commercial real estate in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to connect. #AtlantaDevelopment #DowntownAtlanta #UrbanGrowth 0:00 – Introduction & early background 0:59 – Sponsor Break (Songy Highroads) 2:00 – Early Atlanta tourism development 8:27 – Sponsor Break (USA Cabling) 9:00 – Career path 15:41 – Sponsor Break (Corporate Environments) 16:44 – Convention & event strategy 27:17 – Downtown Atlanta outlook 36:14 – Tourism & attractions 49:09 – Careers & advice 54:16 – Wrap-up More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

    55 min
  4. #7 - Ryan Howard - CP Group

    11/12/2025

    #7 - Ryan Howard - CP Group

    I sat down with Ryan Howard of CP Group to talk about their work on some of Atlanta’s most iconic properties, including The Center (former CNN Center), Bank of America Plaza, and Piedmont Center. We discuss the challenges of renovating these historic buildings, the plans to bring new life to downtown Atlanta, and how CP Group is balancing the history of these spaces with creating vibrant, modern experiences. From food halls to office suites, this conversation is all about reshaping the city thoughtfully and strategically. Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series: ✨ Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com ✨ USA Cabling – usacablingtech.com ✨ Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com As always, if you’re looking for office space in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to help. #Atlanta #DowntownAtlanta #UrbanDevelopment #RealEstate #CityRevival #CPGroup #HistoricBuildings #TheCenterAtlanta ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Introduction to the podcast and Ryan Howard 1:06 – Ryan Howard’s background and career 5:28 – Sponsor Break (Songy Highroads) 7:30 – Transition to CP Group 9:42 – Sponsor Break (Corporate Environments) 10:45 – HD Supply Build-to-Suit 15:57 – Sponsor Break (USA Cabling Technologies and Solutions) 19:10 – First project with CP Group 23:28 – Tenant strategies 24:31 – Acquisition of The Center (former CNN Center) 25:33 – Challenges with renovating The Center 29:54 – Plans and renderings for The Center food hall 34:04 – Ted Turner’s former apartment 36:19 – Bank of America Plaza renovations 37:24 – Bank of America Plaza top floor plans 39:28 – Piedmont Center acquisition and plans 45:49 – Other projects CP Group has underway 46:50 – Leasing velocity and market dynamics 49:30 – Atlanta history and the Downtown context 1:01:21 – Past and current tenants of the Omni International Center 1:02:22 – Rivalries in the real estate market 1:04:23 – Outro / Wrap up More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

    1h 6m

  5. 10/30/2025

    #6 - Jon Birdsong - CEO of South Downtown

    I sat down with Jon Birdsong, CEO of Atlanta Ventures, to talk about the vision behind South Downtown — one of the city’s biggest redevelopment projects. We cover the history of the area, what’s happening now with tech companies and new developments, and how ventures like the World Cup, improved transportation, and AI could impact downtown Atlanta’s future. We also talk about why preserving historic buildings and creating a safe, walkable community is so important. Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series: ✨ Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com ✨ USA Cabling – usacablingtech.com ✨ Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com As always, if you’re looking for office space in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to help. linktr.ee/timwright.cre #Atlanta #SouthDowntown #UrbanDevelopment #RealEstate #DowntownAtlanta #CityRevival #JohnBirdsong ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 – Intro / CNN Center 0:39 – Discussion about CNN’s history and Ted Turner 3:12 – Sponsor Break (USA Cabling Technologies and Solutions) 3:30 – John’s background: growing up in Atlanta 5:16 – Sponsor Break (Songy Highroads) 6:18 – Early career: working on political campaigns 8:30 – Joining the tech scene at Tech Square 12:38 – Working at SalesLoft 13:50 – Sponsor Break (Corporate Environments) 14:53 – SalesLoft backstory and near failure 20:37 – David Cummings buys Newport properties (South Downtown) 22:39 – Career shift to real estate / South Downtown project 23:40 – How the South Downtown deal came together 25:44 – South Downtown vs. other development projects 28:54 – The Center / International Plaza 31:01 – Defining Downtown Atlanta 34:05 – Peachtree Center 35:06 – Sylvan – ADPipe 37:07 – Tech world, remote work, and office culture 39:36 – South Downtown 45:48 – Venture Capital and the current state of the tech scene 51:29 – Politics 53:34 – Updates on 222 Mitchell 58:53 – Liens and Lawsuits Bar 59:54 – History of 82 Peachtree 1:03:59 – South Downtown history 1:12:27 – Candler Hotel / Atlanta history 1:17:34 – BeltLine to Downtown 1:19:36 – Closing Remarks More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

    1h 24m
  6. #5 - David Allman - Developing the Buckhead Skyline

    08/21/2025

    #5 - David Allman - Developing the Buckhead Skyline

    David Allman is the Founder and Chairman of Regent Partners, a prominent Atlanta-based real estate investment and development firm. With over four decades of experience, David and his team shaped Atlanta’s urban landscape through iconic projects such as the Sovereign tower in Buckhead, the King and Queen buildings within the Concourse complex, and a portfolio valued at over $3 billion. More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

    1h 7m
  7. #4 - David Songy - Songy Highroads / SHR

    08/17/2025

    #4 - David Songy - Songy Highroads / SHR

    David Songy, co-founder of Songy Highroads has over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate development. David has driven the acquisition and development of over 5 million square feet of office, hotel, and multifamily projects, with investments exceeding $2 billion. His strategic focus on urban-infill opportunities and innovative approach have made Songy Highroads a market leader in institutional-quality real estate. Featured in a 2016 Harvard Business School case study for his resilience during the 2008 Great Recession, David's expertise extends beyond business. He's a guest lecturer at Harvard and Georgetown and a passionate advocate for education, homelessness, and human trafficking prevention. More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

    1h 18m
  8. #3 - Brian McGowan - Centennial Yards and Transforming Downtown Atlanta

    08/17/2025

    #3 - Brian McGowan - Centennial Yards and Transforming Downtown Atlanta

    Brian McGowan is the President of Centennial Yards Company, a CIM Group affiliate, where he leads the $5 billion redevelopment of Atlanta's historic Gulch-a 50-acre site transforming into a mixed-use district with 8 million square feet of residential, office, retail, entertainment, and hospitality spaces. Born in the Bronx and raised in New Jersey, he was educated in California, earning a BA in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside, and an MA in Politics, Economics, and Business from Claremont Graduate University. His career spans public and private sectors, including roles as:  CEO of Greater Seattle Partners CEO of Atlanta BeltLine Inc. Principal at Dentons EVP and COO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber President and CEO of Invest Atlanta Deputy Assistant Secretary and COO at the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration under President Obama Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Commerce for California under GovernorSchwarzenegger - Economic Development Agency Administrator for San Bernardino County. Achievements include leading economic recovery efforts after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, earning the U.S. Coast Guard Commander's Award for Civilian Service, and serving as a Nonresident Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution. McGowan, a father of five sons, emphasizes inclusive urban development and long-term planning in his work. More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

    57 min
  9. #2 - Jim Irwin - New City - Shaping the Atlanta Beltline

    08/17/2025

    #2 - Jim Irwin - New City - Shaping the Atlanta Beltline

    Jim Irwin, an Atlanta native, is the Founder and President of New City, a commercial real estate development firm he started in 2016, overseeing nearly $2 billion in investments nationwide. He led the transformation of Ponce City Market as Senior Vice President at Jamestown Properties, redeveloping a 2.1 million square foot historic Sears facility into a major mixed-use destination. Currently, he's spearheading the $550 million Fourth Ward project along Atlanta's BeltLine, featuring offices, a hotel, apartments, and public plazas. His work includes projects in Nashville and Chattanooga. Previously, he developed Harrison Square in Fort Wayne at age 27 and worked at Green Street Properties. Irwin holds a BA from Dartmouth, where he played football, and an MBA from Emory University. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and three children. More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

    33 min
  10. #1 - Jim Overton - Cousins Properties and building Atlanta's Skyline

    08/17/2025

    #1 - Jim Overton - Cousins Properties and building Atlanta's Skyline

    Jim Overton is a highly accomplished real estate developer based in Atlanta, Georgia, renowned for his contributions to major urban developments over a career spanning more than 50 years. Overton's professional journey began as President of Atlanta-based Hardin Construction Company, where he honed his expertise in large-scale projects before joining Cousins Properties in 1988. At Cousins Properties, he served as Senior Vice President of Development for 14 years, working under founder Tom Cousins and leading teams on signature projects that shaped city skylines. His notable developments include:  Bank of America Plaza (Atlanta) The Pinnacle (Atlanta) Promenade Tower (Atlanta) Gateway Village (Charlotte) Wildwood Office Park (Atlanta) Chick-fil-A Corporate Headquarters Cumberland Mall (Atlanta) Georgia World Congress Center (Atlanta)By 2002, Overton had managed the development of 17 million square feet of office space, 2 million square feet of convention and conference centers, 10,000 hotel rooms across 18 properties, 6 million square feet of mixed-use projects, and 7 million square feet of retail space including seven regional malls-culminating in a career total exceeding 25 million square feet valued at over $10 billion. More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

    1 hr
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

Interviews with commercial real estate developers that built our southern cities.

Information

  • Creator
    Tim Wright
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sunbelt Developers
  • Show Website
    Sunbelt Developers

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