The Value in Investing in San Antonio's Urban Core

David Adelman purchased his first rental property at age 16 and never looked back. The successful commercial real estate developer believes in the investment of the city’s urban core and has a portfolio of properties through the company he founded in 1991, AREA Real Estate.

The mixed-use property in Tobin Hill at the site of an old dairy plant, the Creamery, has brought a new mix of restaurants, offices and retail to the growing area lining the north end of the River Walk. Adelman started developing properties in California before deciding to return to his hometown where he’s a fourth generation San Antonian. He started at Trinity Asset Management, and in 2011, he spun off to start his own development and property management company and has been focused on multifamily, mixed-use development, and historic preservation.

A graduate of the University of Texas, David serves on several nonprofit boards including Past Chair of Centro San Antonio, the UT San Antonio Development Board, and Founding Chair of the Urban Land Institute. David’s passion for creating special places to live and work drives him to work on projects that change the landscape of the community; however, he often says that his heart for service occupies nearly as much time as his work life. His discussion focuses on the need for a solid urban core and balancing corporate life with giving back to the community.