Business Details
44 Years
experience
Expert Real Estate Development in Durham, NC
Since 1982, Austin Lawrence Partners has established itself as a leader in real estate development, combining research-driven strategies with a commitment to community revitalization. Our expertise spans acquisitions, development, restoration, and property management, with a focus on transforming underutilized assets into thriving spaces that benefit both investors and neighborhoods. We prioritize hands-on management, creative problem-solving, and long-term partnerships to deliver projects that align with market potential and community needs.Our portfolio includes over 3 million square feet of mixed-use, residential, retail, and historic preservation projects nationwide, reflecting our adaptability and dedication to quality. With a team of seasoned professionals, we continue to drive positive change through thoughtful development that honors local history while fostering future growth.
Services
Real Estate Development
Historic Preservation
Mixed-Use Development
Property Management
Land Development
Acquisitions
Restoration & Renovation
Retail Redevelopment
Community Engagement
Market Research
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We specialize in revitalizing distressed properties to unlock their full potential.
- Our team combines 40+ years of experience with hands-on project management expertise.
- We prioritize community engagement to align projects with local needs and goals.
- Our market-driven Dartboard Analysis ensures informed, risk-mitigated investment decisions.
- We deliver diverse projectsfrom historic preservation to mixed-use developmentsnationwide.
Services
Real Estate Development
We identify and transform underperforming or historic properties into vibrant, profitable spaces. Our process combines market research, strategic acquisitions, and hands-on management to deliver mixed-use, residential, and commercial projects that align with community needs and investor goals.
Historic Preservation
Our team specializes in revitalizing historic buildings while maintaining their architectural integrity. By blending modern functionality with original design elements, we create spaces that honor local history and attract contemporary users, ensuring long-term viability.
Community Engagement
We prioritize direct interaction with residents, local organizations, and officials to shape projects that reflect community values. This approach fosters acceptance, reduces development risks, and strengthens relationships that extend beyond project completion.
Market Research
Our Dartboard Analysis framework evaluates macroeconomic trends and hyper-local factors to identify high-potential opportunities. This data-driven strategy mitigates risks, informs design decisions, and ensures developments meet both financial and community-oriented objectives.
Property Management
We provide comprehensive management for residential, retail, and commercial properties, focusing on operational efficiency and tenant satisfaction. Our services include maintenance, leasing, financial reporting, and strategic enhancements to maximize asset value over time.
People
Greg Hills
Founder
Greg Hills founded Austin Lawrence Partners in 1982 after gaining experience in real estate acquisitions and development. He specializes in transforming historic properties into profitable ventures, with a career spanning over four decades in multi-family, retail, and land development projects.
Jane Hills
Co-Founder
Jane Hills co-founded the firm and leverages her expertise in marketing and design to revitalize distressed properties. She actively contributes to community organizations and focuses on creating developments that reflect local identity and foster neighborhood pride.
Austin Hills
Director of Development
Austin Hills leads acquisition efforts and development management. A Duke University graduate, he brings strategic oversight to sourcing opportunities and ensuring projects align with the firms community-driven and financial goals.
Whitney Hills
Marketing and Design Associate
Whitney Hills oversees marketing strategy and interior design, combining cultural anthropology insights with trend analysis. Her work ensures developments resonate with target audiences while maintaining aesthetic and functional excellence.
Wily Manering
Director of Construction
Wily Manering manages quality control for development projects, applying his international experience in precision industries. His focus on detail ensures high standards in construction and restoration, meeting investor and community expectations.
Questions
What types of real estate projects does Austin Lawrence Partners Partners specialize in?
We focus on mixed-use developments, historic preservation, residential and retail projects, land development, and revitalization of distressed properties nationwide.
How does Austin Lawrence Partners Partners engage with local communities?
We collaborate with neighborhood stakeholders, prioritize community needs in design, and maintain long-term relationships to ensure projects align with local character and goals.
What sets your development approach apart from competitors?
Our Dartboard Analysis combines macro and local market research to identify opportunities, while our hands-on management ensures quality and adaptability throughout each project.
Can you provide examples of past successful projects?
Notable projects include The Novus in Durham, Unscripted Hotel Durham, and historic restorations in Aspen and Coeur d'Alene, all emphasizing community impact and innovation.
How do you ensure sustainable and long-term success for your developments?
We balance financial returns with social value, using market research, creative design, and partnerships to create spaces that evolve with community needs.
