BizCONSTRUCTION

Luxury Single-Family Rental Homes

Aerie and BFL Partner to Meet New Demand

During the 45 years since Garry Brav started BFL Construction, he has built many business relationships, as is often the case in Tucson. Brav had the foresight to take these connections to the next level – partnering with those he saw eye-to-eye with to bring about new business opportunities. Aerie Development is one such entity that came together with the goal of using the strengths of each partner to further the growth of all. Roger Karber, president of Aerie Development, explained the relationship: “Aerie Development is the development company I own 50/50 with G.S. Jaggi. We formed a partnership with Garry Brav and together we develop multifamily communities.” For each project, Aerie handles site selection and development services. BFL, through its subsidiary BFL Builders (formerly Preferred Apartment Builders), takes care of cost estimating and construction. Brav, Jaggi and Karber are sponsors of the projects and provide management. “I oversee the development process, Jaggi is responsible for the financial, and Garry manages the construction. Aerie finds the sites and provides all of the pre-construction services.” Karber said. 170 BizTucson

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Summer 2018

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We start with determining where consumers want to be located. The idea is to make the product accessible to jobs and be near riparian corridors.

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Roger Karber President Aerie Development –

“Jaggi has a large pool of investors he brings in once the development starts. After meeting the team, it is not uncommon for the land seller to maintain an interest by staying in the project as an investor.” The group’s primary product is Avilla Homes, communities of luxury rental houses – or “casitas” – geared toward those who want want single-family-style living but with the freedom from homeownership and the work that may come with it. There currently are seven Avilla neighborhoods in the Tucson area. “We wanted Avilla’s features to have the broadest appeal,” Karber said. “There are 10-foot ceilings, which give a sense of additional square footage. Taller walls allow us to add more glass so the source of light is better. Security is important, so our communities are gated, and the homes have full security systems. Homes are detached singlestory, and each has a side yard and its own private, walled rear yard.” Most Avilla neighborhoods offer one-, twoand three-bedroom floorplans. Aerie does extensive research before selecting a site. “We start with determining where consumers want to be located. The idea is to make the product accessible to jobs and be near riparian continued on page 172 >>> www.BizTucson.com

photo: www.balfourwalker.com

By Christy Krueger