The Formula for Urban Development Success
Developing in urban areas is more complicated than nearly anywhere else.
At Grayson Capital, we understand this by experience. Over the past two decades, we have led more than $3B of urban development and infrastructure projects.
We focus on urban development that is as profitable as it is transformational. As a minority-owned development enterprise, we can lead, partner or advise.
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Our Services & Capabilities
Every Grayson Capital project is based on strategies we have developed specific to a particular use case. We have experience in urban development from every angle: public, private, client-side, developer-side, incentives, site selection, financing and advisory services. We work nationwide, with a focus on the Midwest.
As a partial list of our services, the breadth of our expertise is borne from using creative approaches to solve those one-of-a-kind challenges faced by every developer.
Development & Structuring
Attainable Housing +
Public and Private
Institutional Real Estate Assets
Advisory Services
Site Selection & Location Strategy +
Credits & Incentives Consulting +
Public-Private Deal Structuring
Project Financing
Traditional Debt + Equity Investment + 501(c)3 Hybrid Lease + Credit Tenant Lease + New Market Tax Credits
+ LIHTC + Gap Financing
We Believe
Every project has a formula for success, but we are not formulaic in our approach.
The best developments respond to the market need and must deliver a profitable ROI.
Whatever a market commands is what “market rate” must be.
Transit-oriented development (TOD) is often a great fit for our markets because it delivers improved access, and improved access fosters improved economic equity.
Our wholistic approach enables us to deliver the right project for what the community needs instead trying to force a use into a market where it’s not needed.
While every city is unique, it’s possible to move quickly, build support and achieve success when we treat people the way we want to be treated in return.
Leadership is best earned by experience
Meet the Grayson Capital team - with decades of varied experience, we're confident we can help.
Michael Collins
Michael is the founder and CEO of Grayson Capital. Previously, he served as the managing director for JE Dunn Capital Partners, LLC, the private equity commercial real estate investment subsidiary of JE Dunn Construction Company valued at $1.9 billion.
In 2011, Michael became the president and CEO of Port KC, the regional Port Authority of Kansas City, where he led the master plan development of Berkley Riverfront Park, the redevelopment of a 1,400-acre intermodal facility and more than $600 million in conduit bond and project finance transactions.
Michael began his career as an advisor to Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond in Washington, D.C. and Missouri for HUD appropriations, economic development policy and federal facilities.
Over his career, Michael has completed more than $3 billion in public finance, private equity, and development projects. Michael currently serves on Urban Land Institute’s Global Governing Trustee board and the Americas Executive Committee (AEC), and University Health (Truman Medical). He is also chairman of the Kansas City Streetcar Authority.
Michael holds a degree in political science from Park University, an MBA in Finance from Rockhurst University and executive education at John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Andrea Young
Andrea is the Vice President, Legal for Grayson Capital overseeing all legal and
compliance functions.
Prior to joining Grayson Capital in April 2022, Andrea was an attorney in the real estate development and finance practice at a national law firm, where she gained substantive experience representing clients in complex commercial real estate matters.
Andrea began her legal career in the public sector as associate general counsel for a
political subdivision focused on economic development where she served as
compliance officer and corporate generalist with an emphasis on real estate leasing,
development, and finance. As compliance officer, Andrea oversaw the implementation and administration of policies, practices, and procedures to support the organization’s continued growth.
Andrea earned her bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning + Design and law degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”
Winston Churchill