The Construction Source

APRI L 2021 that he had a valuable asset but no experience with construction, so he reached out to various builders. He knew that if he could present the opportunity to the right builder, he could partner with them and learn from them. Ultimately, he partnered with LIV Communities and worked directly with their land development department for the duration of the project. He was determined to absorb as much of their knowledge and experience as he possibly could. “They really mentored me and taught me a lot about land development,” Charles says. Charles and LIV’s first project together, on that original site, was approved for 45 town homes. Almost immediately after, they teamed up again on an even larger project. Together they acquired three more parcels with vendor-take backs, where they proposed an additional 117 town homes. Charles’ career in development was well and truly under way. Charles ended up selling those projects to LIV Communities after obtaining approvals and before construction, but the experience made him realize that he wanted to run his own development from start to finish. “I want to be the developer and builder,” he says. “So what I did was get into small-scale infill developments.” Gateway Group buys oversized lots within existing urban boundaries, which they subsequently sever into multiple parcels. Within those parcels, they specialize in constructing homes that provide a modern lifestyle for homeowners wanting a meaningful connection to their established local community while living in a contemporary residence. According to Charles, the company’s success in that niche is attributable to their versatility, their ability to deliver semi-custom homes at “cookie- cutter” production prices.