Marquette Companies forms alliance with Orion Residential Advisors

Marquette Companies, a national leader in multifamily development, investment, and management, announces its strategic alliance with Deerfield, Ill.-based Orion Residential Advisors, (“Orion”) an integrated multifamily investment and operating firm active in multiple markets nationwide. The two companies will merge operations in key areas, with Orion executive Dan Gumbiner acting as an adviser as part of the alliance, while Cheryl Charnas joins Marquette’s asset management team as executive vice president.

“Bringing Orion into the fold of the Marquette business presents an exceptional opportunity for both firms and marks a significant step in accelerating Marquette’s reach into markets in the Southeast and Southwest regions, like North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Arizona,” said Nick Ryan, managing partner and founder of Marquette. “There are numerous synergies between our firms, and the additional expertise and relationships coming from Orion will only strengthen our reputation as one of the leading vertically integrated firms in the country.”

Multifamily Development Leader Expands Reach

Since its founding in 2004, Orion has represented $2.5 billion in properties in multiple Midwest, Sun Belt, and West Coast markets. The firm is recognized in the industry for its strength in acquisitions as well as asset and construction management, having acquired nearly 23,000 units over the company’s history and completed more than $100 million in portfolio renovation projects, from unit and common area upgrades to complete property redevelopment.

“As we considered the next step for Orion, we wanted to align with a like-minded company with strengths that complement what we bring to the table,” said Gumbiner, who founded the firm. “Marquette not only shares our goal in providing residents with a positive living experience in a thriving community, but it also has an exceptional track record for development, ownership, and management. We look forward to being a part of its continued growth.”

Charnas, who was Senior Vice President of Asset Management at Orion, brings nearly 30 years of experience in asset management, acquisitions, and development with previous senior-level positions at top real estate firms including RREEF and AvalonBay.

“Having just celebrated 40 years in business, Marquette is positioning itself for the opportunities that lie ahead in new markets, emerging neighborhoods, and growing product types like build-to-rent,“ said Ryan. “We’re also focused on building and strengthening the sense of community and support we provide residents. Our alliance with Orion will be an essential component in achieving our goals even faster.”

Active in more than a dozen markets across the central and southern United States, Marquette Companies, and its property management arm Marquette Management, have a portfolio of more than 15,000 units across 47 properties. Highlights of the firm’s most recent activity include the completion of The Thompson, a 210-unit luxury apartment building that includes the adaptive reuse of a historically significant building in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood. The firm also recently broke ground on The Sylvan, a 300-unit build-to-rent community outside of Houston in The Woodlands, Texas, and expanded its management portfolio through the strategic acquisition of select value-add assets in key markets. 

About Marquette Companies
​​​​​​​Based in Naperville, Ill., Marquette Companies is a multifamily development company and investment leader with a 40-year track record of success in markets across the country. The firm’s vertically integrated approach, with in-house capabilities in acquisition, construction, asset, property and construction management, enables its team to control all aspects of investments and has positioned the firm as a leading player in the multifamily investment space. Marquette Cos.’ vision is to be the top choice for living, working and investing by delivering exceptional living spaces and unparalleled customer service.