This is an HTML version of an article thatran in Real Estate Forum. To see the story in itsoriginal format, click here.

The act of real estate development is seldom as simple asputting up four walls and a roof. Building properties—particularlylarge, commercial assets—involves as much art and finesse as itdoes science and skill, especially when taking into account all themoving parts and interested parties. A development project canstand out for several reasons, not simply sheer size and cost. Someprojects garner attention for their design and architecturalelements. Others can revitalize forgotten neighborhoods or providea much-needed service. Still others can even create newneighborhoods, luring both residents and businesses alike. Yetbringing any project to fruition takes a great deal ofcoordination, from city planners and developers, to investors andlenders, to architects, engineers and legal counsel. The hands andminds involved in building a new asset are many.

As part of our special focus on development and capital, RealEstate Forum has highlighted a dozen projects that have beenbrought to market in the past two years and, more importantly, theteams behind them. Below you will see the kind of teamwork andcoordination that is involved in “placemaking” today.