Sunbelt Developers

Kevin Duvall has spent over two decades shaping one of the most important campuses in the Southeast. As CEO of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority, he oversees 200+ acres, 4.3 million square feet, and a pipeline of projects that are redefining downtown Atlanta.We cover:• Building the $550M Signia hotel from a state-owned parking plaza• The Georgia Dome demolition and Mercedes-Benz Stadium negotiations• Competing with Chicago, Orlando, Nashville, and Dallas for convention business• Expanding the Savannah Convention Center and its new headquarters hotel• The vision for International Plaza — downtown Atlanta's next entertainment district• Preparing the campus for FIFA World Cup 2026• Kevin's 24-year journey from the Alamodome in San Antonio to leading the GWCCAWatch the full story on Sunbelt Developers Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple podcasts.Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series:• Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com• Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com• USA Cabling – usacablingtech.com• Scott Contracting - Scott-contracting.com• The Beck Group – beckgroup.comIf you have a commercial real estate need, please reach out. My team and I have incredible resources through Cushman & Wakefield to help with any need you have.More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

Pope & Land has been transformational in the Cumberland submarket of Atlanta. From office to mixed-use to transforming a dead coliseum into City Park, Mason shares the story behind some of the most consequential development projects in Georgia.We cover:• Partnering with the Atlanta Braves on the Battery• Converting the Charlotte Coliseum into a mixed-use community• Navigating the Great Recession with Dutch capital partners• The vision for downtown Atlanta's entertainment district• Mason's 40-year journey from Texas to leading Pope & LandWatch the full story on Sunbelt Developers Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple podcasts.Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series:• Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com• Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com• USA Cabling – usacablingtech.com• Scott Contracting - Scott-contracting.com• The Beck Group – beckgroup.comIf you have a commercial real estate need, please reach out. My team and I have incredible resources through Cushman & Wakefield to help with any need you have.More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

Another episode is out now on the Sunbelt Developers Podcast with Matt Bronfman, CEO of Jamestown. From Ponce City Market to Chelsea Market, Matt shares the thinking behind some of the most iconic mixed-use developments in the country.We cover:-Negotiating with Google-The story behind Ironworks-Navigating zoning-The impact of AI on real estate-Matt’s journey to leading JamestownWatch the full story on Sunbelt Developers Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple podcasts.Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series:✨ Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com✨ Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com✨ USA Cabling – usacablingtech.com✨ Scott Contracting - Scott-contracting.com✨ The Beck Group – beckgroup.comIf you’re looking for commercial real estate in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to connect.More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

Travis Garland is the Chief Development Officer of Portman Holdings. Portman is a legendary company and their real estate industry was founded by the visionary architect John Portman. Travis has been involved in pivotal projects like CODA, Amsterdam Walk and Spring Quarter.In this episode we cover Travis's journey from navigating a brutal brokerage market after the dot-com bust to leading major development projects across the Sunbelt. He also pulls back the curtain on Portman’s fascinating history and gives us a masterclass on where the modern office is heading next. From the bustling pedestrian walkways of the Atlanta Beltline to the new "urban edge" of the suburbs, this conversation covers the strategies shaping the cities we live and work in.Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series:✨ Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com✨ Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com✨ USA Cabling – usacablingtech.com✨ Scott Contracting - Scott-contracting.com✨ The Beck Group – beckgroup.comIf you’re looking for commercial real estate in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to connect.More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

In this episode, Herbert Ames, Managing Director at EDENS shares the story behind Lulah Hills, the major mixed-use redevelopment of the former North DeKalb Mall site on Atlanta’s east side. We discuss his background and the projects that shaped his career, including major retail developments on Atlanta’s west side.A big focus of the conversation is how Lulah Hills came together. Herbert explains the long history of the North DeKalb Mall property, EDENS’ acquisition process, and the vision to transform an outdated enclosed mall into a modern, community-oriented destination.🎥 Watch the full episode on YouTube for a behind-the-scenes look at the Lulah Hills redevelopment and what it means for Atlanta’s east side.Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series:✨ Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com✨ Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com✨ USA Cabling – usacablingtech.com✨ Scott Contracting - Scott-contracting.com✨ The Beck Group – beckgroup.comIf you’re looking for commercial real estate in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to connect.More info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

Jerry Cooper is a living piece of Atlanta’s architectural history.In this episode, the founder of Cooper Carry reflects on nearly a century of life and design — from his early years at Georgia Tech and a formative Fulbright scholarship in Rome, to helping shape some of Atlanta’s most influential buildings and developments.We talk about Atlanta’s transformation in the late 1950s and ’60s, the rise of suburban office parks, garden apartments, and mixed-use projects, and how developments like Riverbend, Cumberland Mall, Piedmont Center, and Executive Park helped define a generation of growth. Jerry also shares how he thinks about real estate cycles, why phased development matters, and how Cooper Carry stayed relevant through decades of change.From designing the College of Architecture at Georgia Tech to integrating buildings with the Chattahoochee National Forest, reimagining corporate campuses, and pioneering pedestrian-focused places like Underground Atlanta and Mizner Park, this conversation is about architecture built to last — and to mean something.🎥 Watch the full episode for a rare, firsthand look at architecture, development, and the evolution of Atlanta.Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series:✨ Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com✨ Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com✨ USA Cabling – usacablingtech.comIf you’re looking for commercial real estate in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to connect.⏱️Timestamps 0:00–3:06 Intro + Early Life3:06–4:09 Sponsorship Break4:09–7:23 Architectural Influences7:23–12:38 Early Career & Turning Points12:38–13:16 Sponsorship Break13:16–15:52 Rome, Fulbright & Going Independent15:52–19:54 Atlanta’s Growth & Early Projects19:54–20:36 Sponsorship Break20:36–26:00 Civil Rights, Cities & Sprawl26:00–30:54 Suburban Growth & Cooper Carry30:54–37:27 Residential & Early Commercial Work37:27–40:51 Garden Apartments & Riverbend40:51–45:54 Mixed-Use & Corporate Expansion45:54–51:50 Market Cycles & Legacy Projects51:50–54:55 Designing with Purpose54:55–1:06:28 The Future of Cooper Carry1:06:28 OutroMore info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST - RYAN WOODS FROM BECK GROUP**Atlanta has hosted Super Bowls, Final Fours, and College Football Playoff Championships—but the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be on a completely different scale.In this episode, I sit down with Dan Corso, President of the Atlanta Sports Council, to break down how Atlanta is preparing to host the world. Also joining the conversation is Ryan Woods, who stopped by with donuts and ended up jumping on the mic—bringing a fan’s perspective and keeping the conversation flowing on everything from sports to city growth.We dive into FIFA’s “clean site” rules at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 20-day Fan Fest planned for Centennial Olympic Park, and what brands, fans, and the city can expect as we head toward 2026. Dan also shares how Atlanta’s continuity of hosting mega events gives the city a massive advantage, how the city manages overlapping global events, and what’s next in the pipeline—including the Super Bowl in 2028, the Men’s Final Four in 2031, and future World Cup bids.Big thanks to our sponsors for supporting this series:✨ Songy Highroads – songyhighroads.com✨ Corporate Environments – corporateenvironments.com✨ USA Cabling – usacablingtech.comIf you’re looking for commercial real estate in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to connect.#Atlanta #FIFAWorldCup2026 #AtlantaSportsCouncil #SportsBusiness #AtlantaEvents #MercedesBenzStadium #CRE #podcast ⏱️Timestamps0:00-4:27 Introduction and Atlanta Sports Council Overview4:27-5:23 Ad Break (Songy Highroads)5:23-7:32 World Cup Branding and "Clean Site Principle"7:32-10:46 Lessons from Past Events and Community Collaboration10:46-12:05 Challenges in Event Hosting12:05-13:26 FIFA Club World Cup as a "Dress Rehearsal"13:26-14:08 Ad Break (USA Cabling Technologies and Solutions)14:08-15:11 World Cup Volunteer Program and FIFA's Local Presence15:11-19:23 Pop-up Shops, Fan Engagement, and Centennial Olympic Park19:23-21:35 Hotel Bookings and Atlanta's Infrastructure Advantages21:35-24:44 World Cup Ticket and Watch Party Regulations24:44-26:55 Coordination with Centennial Yards and Downtown Development26:55-29:06 Future Events: Super Bowl 2028 and Beyond29:06-30:07 Ad Break (Corporate Environments)30:07-35:34 New Sports Development: RIVAL Foundation 35:34-43:11 OutroMore info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

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.comIf you’re looking for commercial real estate in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to connect.#AtlantaDevelopment #CommercialRealEstate #OfficeDevelopment #AtlantaCRE #DowntownAtlanta ⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction1:01 – Early career and path into real estate5:13 – Sponsor Break (Songy Highroads)6:17 – First real estate roles and early wins8:23 – Tishman Speyer and the 2008 financial crisis10:26 – Navigating the recession and leasing Two Alliance16:40 – Leasing Two Alliance and developing Three Alliance19:50 – Sponsor Break (USA Cabling)20:54 – Three Alliance development, design, and market cycles40:13 – Sponsor Break (Corporate Environments)41:17 – Google Tower, civic involvement, and career reflectionsMore info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

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.comIf you’re looking for commercial real estate in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to connect.#AtlantaDevelopment #JohnsCreek #mixedusedevelopment ⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro0:35 – Sponsor Break (Songy Highroads)1:24 – Early Career & Background6:34 – Sponsor Break (Corporate Environments)7:31 – Camp Creek & Atlantic Station13:50 – Colony Square16:36 – Sponsor Break (USA Cabling Technologies and Solutions)17:02 – Midtown & Colony Square Leasing23:30 – Colony Square Transformation27:35 – Office Space & Avalon32:51 – Experience & Urban Energy38:01 – The Third Place Concept43:23 – MedleyMore info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

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.comIf you’re looking for commercial real estate in Atlanta, give me a call — I’d love to connect.#AtlantaDevelopment #DowntownAtlanta #UrbanGrowth0:00 – Introduction & early background0:59 – Sponsor Break (Songy Highroads)2:00 – Early Atlanta tourism development8:27 – Sponsor Break (USA Cabling)9:00 – Career path15:41 – Sponsor Break (Corporate Environments)16:44 – Convention & event strategy27:17 – Downtown Atlanta outlook36:14 – Tourism & attractions49:09 – Careers & advice54:16 – Wrap-upMore info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

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.comAs 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⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Introduction to the podcast and Ryan Howard1:06 – Ryan Howard’s background and career5:28 – Sponsor Break (Songy Highroads)7:30 – Transition to CP Group9:42 – Sponsor Break (Corporate Environments)10:45 – HD Supply Build-to-Suit15:57 – Sponsor Break (USA Cabling Technologies and Solutions)19:10 – First project with CP Group23:28 – Tenant strategies24:31 – Acquisition of The Center (former CNN Center)25:33 – Challenges with renovating The Center29:54 – Plans and renderings for The Center food hall34:04 – Ted Turner’s former apartment36:19 – Bank of America Plaza renovations37:24 – Bank of America Plaza top floor plans39:28 – Piedmont Center acquisition and plans45:49 – Other projects CP Group has underway46:50 – Leasing velocity and market dynamics49:30 – Atlanta history and the Downtown context1:01:21 – Past and current tenants of the Omni International Center1:02:22 – Rivalries in the real estate market1:04:23 – Outro / Wrap upMore info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

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.comAs 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⏱️ Timestamps0:00 – Intro / CNN Center0:39 – Discussion about CNN’s history and Ted Turner3:12 – Sponsor Break (USA Cabling Technologies and Solutions)3:30 – John’s background: growing up in Atlanta5:16 – Sponsor Break (Songy Highroads)6:18 – Early career: working on political campaigns8:30 – Joining the tech scene at Tech Square12:38 – Working at SalesLoft13:50 – Sponsor Break (Corporate Environments)14:53 – SalesLoft backstory and near failure20:37 – David Cummings buys Newport properties (South Downtown)22:39 – Career shift to real estate / South Downtown project23:40 – How the South Downtown deal came together25:44 – South Downtown vs. other development projects28:54 – The Center / International Plaza31:01 – Defining Downtown Atlanta34:05 – Peachtree Center35:06 – Sylvan – ADPipe37:07 – Tech world, remote work, and office culture39:36 – South Downtown45:48 – Venture Capital and the current state of the tech scene51:29 – Politics53:34 – Updates on 222 Mitchell58:53 – Liens and Lawsuits Bar59:54 – History of 82 Peachtree1:03:59 – South Downtown history1:12:27 – Candler Hotel / Atlanta history1:17:34 – BeltLine to Downtown1:19:36 – Closing RemarksMore info: https://linktr.ee/timwright.cre

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

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 2008Great 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

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

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

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