Steve Ferris, based in Denver, Colorado, specializes in devising and implementing real estate plans that successfully integrate the best of the public and private sectors. With 25+ years leading design teams and managing development projects, he now focuses his efforts on timely maximizing the production of real estate plans, projects, and approvals.
His production of over $40MM in project savings for former private sector employers exemplifies these skills. In late 2015 he founded the Real Estate Garage in order to replicate these services for valued clients and partners. In doing so, he bid adieux to his appointed position with the City of Denver, where he managed a team of 140 engineers, planners, and technicians reviewing all development in the City.
His broader work history reveals his recurring ability to effortlessly transfer real estate expertise between the public and private realms. He previously engaged in over $475MM in Ritz-Carlton hotel/residence development management for the Gencom Group, and $20MM in residential and infrastructure development for New Town Builders. Prior to his development management work, Steve served 7 years as Director of Planning and Building and 2 years as Municipal Manager for the Town of Telluride, Colorado.
Ferris’ acumen sits firmly within development feasibility, management, and design, where he synthesizes market insight, urban planning goals, regulatory objectives, financial aims, and political concerns within development plans, contracts, and partnerships — as well as the full exploration of property rights and profits. Common themes include effective listening, building relationships, and win-win solutions. He naturally mixes personalities with numbers, and while doing so has secured critical infrastructure, developed regulatory codes, acquired specialized property rights, and established public financing mechanisms.
Steve was born in Southeast Asia, and has worked in New York City, the Florida Keys, Micronesia, Hawaii, California, Nevada, North Dakota, and Colorado. His curiosity and passion for learning is exhibited by his BS in Civil Engineering from Marquette University, an MS in Urban Planning from Cornell University, and an MBA with a real estate finance focus from the University of Denver.