In this discussion, three of our firm’s learning and development leaders – Andrea Shaw, Vice President, Learning & Development; Victoria Lennon, Learning Manager; and Steve Wunch, Director, Sales & Leadership Learning – discuss what L&D really means, how it empowers teams, and the initiatives Capital Square is implementing to strengthen talent and support bottom-line results.

Learn how a focused approach to professional growth can help employees and the total firm perform at the highest levels.

Approximate Transcript:

Steve: So, we’re here to talk about my favorite subject, which is learning and development. I’m here with my great partners in learning, Andrea Shaw and Victoria Lennon. Let’s talk a little bit first.

You know, learning and development can be a bit ethereal. People kind of don’t really put their fingers on what it all entails, so for someone who’s watching this, hearing about learning and development in the multifamily space for the first time, how would you guys define what it is that you do and why it’s important to the business?

Andrea: Well, we do what we do because of all of the people involved in the business. So yes, we are a business, but there’s a lot of people that make it work and help it either be successful or not. And so, the more we get the people what it is that they need to be successful on a daily basis, the more successful the business will be.

The more we can tie those things together, the better off everybody is, because they feel like they’re getting what they need to be successful, and they in turn then treat their customers in that way, start building relationships with their vendors in that way, and help us grow not just our culture but our business, and things become more profitable in turn as well.

The more success we can have individually, the more success we have as a team. I think people feel that, and there’s something a little different about feeling a certain way, feeling like you have somebody who’s invested in you when you’re going to work, versus just feeling like you’re going to work for a paycheck.

Steve: Right. Can you tell me a little bit about your roles and how they’re different? Because I know, Andrea, you’re kind of spearheading a global approach to learning, not just for Capital Square Living but also for the Capital Square organization. But Victoria, I want people to understand what your role is and how you play in the learning collaboration that happens between the two of you.

Andrea: Okay, so I’ll go ahead and start, and then I’ll pass it over to you.

I try to take a look at what the organization needs as a whole, and then say, how does that differ from department to department? And then, further from that, how does that trickle down to each of the individual job roles? How can we create programs that can benefit everybody within a particular either department or job role, and be able to develop programs that can appeal to the masses in those areas? Also building our culture, building things like rewards and recognition.

Right now, a big initiative that we’re working through is performance management, which is part of the performance review process, goal setting, and helping people be able to have an aligned vision. So larger scale projects that are either organization-wide or a larger appeal based on each department or particular job role. That’s where Victoria gets into the more granular pieces.

Victoria: So yes, I take more of a granular approach, like she said, on some of the tasks. We definitely worked very closely when we built our “Rise” onboarding program [at Capital Square Living], and I now manage the majority of that. But in addition, some of these large-scale goals that we have, they start on a granular level, such as policy and procedures. I spearhead a lot of our [standard operating procedures] or SOP development. That doesn’t mean I create them, but it means that I’m getting all of the parties in the room that need to have a role in creating policies and procedures, so it’s not made in a bubble, and we’re truly seeing the whole picture.

Then once we build it out with the experts in whatever policy we’re working on, we can then look and say, “Okay, let’s bring in that training element.” Because it’s great to write a policy, but if we don’t train people in what that policy and procedure is, it’s not going to be effective.

Something very unique to Capital Square, that I love, is that the policy is starting from the learning and development side, because again, we have to train people in what we want them to do in order for them to be successful.

The data shows that training people, investing in them, having good onboarding, having a good first experience when they start at a company, that retains people. Ultimately that drives the business forward, because you’re not having to spend as much money bringing new people in.

When you look outside of the cultural aspect, if you just look at the revenue side of it, the business side of it — which is important to point out to some leaders who maintain this as their driving force — I think it’s important to see that Learning and Development does bring a revenue saving aspect. Sometimes that’s hard to see, because if we’re doing our job right, you’ll never see a loss in revenue. But when it’s not done right, you do see it. That’s why it really should be at the forefront in any business.

Steve: I love that.

Andrea: And the great thing is it’s still not where it’s going to be. We’re continuing to build this out because we have opportunity to continue to make it better. And we know that making somebody’s first impression of working here a powerful one, a great one, a memorable one, is going to continue to be important.

As we continue this journey of building out these different kinds of elements and offshoots, we’re going to continue to find things that we can do better. Bringing in additional support teams is one of them. Refining what it looks like physically when somebody comes into the office is really important. Figuring out how there’s nuances between different job roles and departments and what that will look like.

We’re excited about continuing to make this great as we find opportunities to continue to do that.

Steve: And it’s a snapshot of learning, because learning is always changing and growing and reiterating, and that’s exactly what you guys are doing in your process.

Andrea: Absolutely. What’s great about the data is that we see that it’s working. So many people investing their time and resources into this is paying off. The more we do that, we’re going to continue to see those numbers show us that as well, and that’s an important thing for us also: being able to really measure our success, to say, “Is this thing that we’re doing helping?”

Steve: Which is really exciting, and this global approach to learning and development, I think is going to be really full of wins for all of the folks that are within the organization, regardless of which side of the table they sit on, whether it’s Capital Square or Capital Square Living. It just really paints a broader picture and gives everybody an idea of what is possible. That paints the picture for a very bright and happy future.

Victoria: It also helps growth. When you have to bring somebody in from the outside, you now have to teach them all of the history that has gone into it.

Steve: Like starting from scratch.

Andrea: Yes, they come with great knowledge from where they come from, but they don’t know the journey that has led to where you are. So, when you’re able to attain someone and have them grow into a new role, they see the journey. They’re going to see, “Oh, well, Capital Square has done all this. That’s why we’re here.”

Sometimes it takes time for people to learn that, and that’s really important when building the future, to see where you’ve been, so that you don’t make the same mistakes again, and you have a better understanding of the plans moving forward.

Andrea: I love the idea of helping our team members build that legacy. We’re able to help them continue building their own legacy here at Capital Square, and I think with this global approach, it allows for us to more seamlessly see everybody as Capital Square team members and just help them be able to connect the dots better about who does what and how they can best work together.

We have the opportunity to really connect with human beings, which isn’t as common anymore these days. I think that’s such a beautiful gift that we’re able to have in our job roles, but also to be able to highlight that our team members have the ability to make an impact on people’s lives in a really great way.

Steve: 100%.

Across-the-Board Excellence

This is one of our core values at Capital Square. We bring quality, awareness and depth of knowledge to every project and relationship. Our Learning & Development programs are one more example of this value in action.

The post Empowering Excellence: Learning & Development at Capital Square appeared first on Capital Square - Raising capital, buildings and expectations.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in marking this important milestone for the Richmond community.

Disclosure: Securities offered through WealthForge Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Capital Square and WealthForge Securities, LLC are separate entities. There are material risks associated with investing in DST properties and real estate securities including illiquidity, tenant vacancies, general market conditions and competition, lack of operating history, interest rate risks, the risk of new supply coming to market and softening rental rates, general risks of owning/operating commercial and multifamily properties, short-term leases associated with multifamily properties, financing risks, potential adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks, long hold periods, and potential loss of the entire investment principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Potential cash flow, returns and appreciation are not guaranteed. IRC Section 1031 is a complex tax concept; consult your legal or tax professional regarding the specifics of your particular situation. This is not a solicitation or an offer to sell any securities. Please read the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) in its entirety, paying careful attention to the risk section prior to investing. Private placements are speculative and illiquid. Diversification does not guarantee profits or protect against losses. FINRA Broker Check link: https://brokercheck.finra.org/.

The post Chasen Grand Opening in Scott’s Addition appeared first on Capital Square - Raising capital, buildings and expectations.

This milestone reflects our real estate firm’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the community and supporting families in need, building legacies for our community at large. Capital Square’s 2025 donation surpasses previous years’ totals — 13,153 diapers in 2024 and 4,075 diapers in 2023 — showcasing our team’s ongoing enthusiasm for this meaningful cause.

Little Hands Virginia, a Richmond, Virginia-based nonprofit, provides essentials such as diapers, wipes, clothing and other baby supplies to families facing hardship throughout Central Virginia. The organization’s Big Diaper Drive mobilizes the community each year to meet one of the most basic and urgent needs of infants and toddlers. For many families, a lack of diapers can mean missed daycare days, lost wages and added stress — making every box of diapers an impactful gift that enhances daily life.

At Capital Square, our mission extends beyond building multi-generational legacies through tax-advantaged real estate investments. We believe in investing in our community and supporting local organizations that make a tangible difference, especially organizations focused on empowering our youth – the future movers and shakers of our nation. Our team’s passion for the Big Diaper Drive grows each year, underscoring the many ways Capital Square Cares – not just in how we invest, build and manage, but also in our compassion and community engagement.

Together, we’re proving that small acts — like diaper donations — can build the future for us all.

The post Over 16,800 Diapers Donated to Little Hands Virginia’s 2025 Big Diaper Drive appeared first on Capital Square - Raising capital, buildings and expectations.

Richmond is not only a strategic Mid-Atlantic location along the East Coast. It is one of “America’s Best Places to Live,” as well as the capital of Virginia, one of the “Best States for Business.”

It’s also Capital Square’s hometown, a place where we have built developments that capture the city’s authentic artistry and creative style, partnered with local businesses to build the future for vibrant neighborhoods and communities, and created dramatic impact with our philanthropic initiatives.

Why do we love to invest, build and manage in Richmond?

• RealPage named Richmond, Virginia the #1 U.S. market for rent growth in 2024. Forecasted to outperform 178 other cities, the real estate fundamentals of Richmond are gaining attention.
• Richmond’s cost of living is neary 6% below the national average, according to the Greater Richmond Partnership (GRP) and the Council for Community and Economic Research’s Cost of Living Index.
• Richmond’s population is expected to increase over 10% between 2020 and 2030, as projected by the GRP and Chmura Analytics JobsEQ. Lower costs of living and tremendous job opportunities are leading factors of this in-migration.
• Richmond and its surrounding counties have already added over 52,000 people between 2020 and 2024.
• Virginia’s capital city is home to 12 Fortune 1000 headquarters. Moreover, major national and international corporations have recently opened significant operations in the greater Richmond region, including Google, LEGO, Meta, Amazon, CoStar and Eli Lilly.
• Richmond was named among the “Best U.S. Cities for HQ Projects,” by Site Selection Magazine in 2024.
• Richmond, Virginia is becoming Washington, D.C.’s sister city. Just 100 miles south, Richmond is an easy commute to Washington, D.C. Plus, while D.C.’s average rent is $2,356, Richmond’s average is $1,458 with an average apartment size 13.45% larger.
• USA Today named Richmond the #2 city in the U.S. for street art in 2024. This follows their declaration of Richmond’s arts district as the 8^th best arts district in the U.S. From the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to the vibrant murals across the city, Richmond’s creative culture is on proud display.
• Richmond is the only city in America with whitewater rapids cutting through its downtown district. In addition, the James River ranked as the 9^th best urban kayaking spot in the U.S.
• The River City ranked among “Best U.S. Cities for a Health Lifestyle” by Coworking Café in 2025.
• Richmond is among the Top 10 “Most Interesting Food Scenes Across the Country,” according to USA Today.

Which Capital Square investment offerings are open in Richmond, Virginia?

• CSRA Opportunity Zone Fund IX, LLC – Capital Square’s newest OZ fund supports this striking mixed-use development in the amenity-rich Scott’s Addition neighborhood. Approximately one-third of this community’s 320 units are expected to be furnished apartment hotel units, meeting an unanswered need in this vibrant neighborhood.

Which Capital Square developments are already fully operational in Richmond?

• Chasen – Opening its doors this winter, this exciting 352-unit, Class A multifamily development is already turning heads.
• The Otis – “2024 Multifamily Development of the Year,” according to CoStar.
• Scott’s Collection – A trio of mixed-use multifamily developments that achieved the highest rental rate on a per square foot basis in all of Richmond.

What properties does Capital Square manage in the Richmond region?

• Canopy at Ginter Park Apartments
• Tapestry West
• Trails at Short Pump Apartments
• Flats at West Broad Village
• 2000 West Creek Apartments
• Artistry at Winterfield Apartments
• Sapphire at Centerpointe
• Hunters Chase Apartments
• Livingston Apartment Flats
• Wellington Place
• Lawndale Farms Apartments

Richmond, Virginia is our hometown, but it’s also a city we greatly believe in. Some call it “the River City” or “RVA.” We call Richmond a Sun Belt city with powerful potential.

At Capital Square, we invest; we build; we manage. We raise capital, buildings and expectations. This is how we build the future of real estate, and this is how we build the future of Richmond.

Contact our team today to learn more.

Disclosure: Securities offered through WealthForge Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Capital Square and WealthForge Securities, LLC are separate entities. There are material risks associated with investing in DST properties and real estate securities including illiquidity, tenant vacancies, general market conditions and competition, lack of operating history, interest rate risks, the risk of new supply coming to market and softening rental rates, general risks of owning/operating commercial and multifamily properties, short-term leases associated with multifamily properties, financing risks, potential adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks, long hold periods, and potential loss of the entire investment principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Potential cash flow, returns and appreciation are not guaranteed. IRC Section 1031 is a complex tax concept; consult your legal or tax professional regarding the specifics of your particular situation. This is not a solicitation or an offer to see any securities. Please read the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) in its entirety, paying careful attention to the risk section prior to investing. Diversification does not guarantee profits or protect against losses. Private placements are speculative.

The post Building the Future of Richmond™ appeared first on Capital Square - Raising capital, buildings and expectations.

Skip to key moments within the video:

• What was the history of Scott’s Addition prior to opportunity zones? (jump to 0:05)
• How have opportunity zones reshaped neighborhoods and cities? (jump to 3:38)
• What has been the economic impact of opportunity zones? (jump to 4:16)

Learn more about opportunity zones:

• “Capital Square’s Opportunity Zone Transformations”
• “An Investment Case for Qualified Opportunity Zones: Program Analysis & Markers of Success”

Discover Capital Square’s newest qualified opportunity zone fund (QOF) offering:

• CSRA Opportunity Zone Fund IX, LLC

Contact the Capital Square team to continue the conversation.

Disclosure: Securities offered through WealthForge Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Capital Square and WealthForge Securities, LLC are separate entities. There are material risks associated with investing in DST properties and real estate securities including illiquidity, tenant vacancies, general market conditions and competition, lack of operating history, interest rate risks, the risk of new supply coming to market and softening rental rates, general risks of owning/operating commercial and multifamily properties, short-term leases associated with multifamily properties, financing risks, potential adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks, long hold periods, and potential loss of the entire investment principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Potential cash flow, returns and appreciation are not guaranteed. IRC Section 1031 is a complex tax concept; consult your legal or tax professional regarding the specifics of your particular situation. This is not a solicitation or an offer to see any securities. Please read the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) in its entirety, paying careful attention to the risk section prior to investing. Diversification does not guarantee profits or protect against losses. Private placements are speculative.

The post Impact Investing via Opportunity Zones: Jay Parsons & Whitson Huffman in Conversation appeared first on Capital Square - Raising capital, buildings and expectations.

In 2024, Capital Square partnered with Capital Square Living, combining talent and resources across all divisions of our real estate firm to create a significant impact, allowing for a meaningful difference for the Children’s Hospital. That effort led to LemonAid stands across 21 multifamily communities in Virginia, as well as our corporate headquarters in Richmond. One lemonade cup at a time, we raised over $6,000 for the children.

All the same, this year, we wanted to go even bigger.

In 2025, we gathered notes from the previous year to take our efforts to an even more impactful place. Again, Capital Square and Capital Square Living worked together to hold LemonAid stands across our portfolio of multifamily communities, but this year, we didn’t stop at Virginia. The award-winning and incredibly high caliber Children’s Hospital of Virginia serves patients from across the country and across the world. Thus, we recognized our LemonAid stands to support our firm’s hometown hospital should stretch beyond one state’s borders.

This year, approximately 30 Capital Square Living-managed communities from across the Southeast participated in our LemonAid events. Hitting the Children’s Hospital of Richmond’s scoreboard as the “Top Fundraiser” and for “Most Donors” within a single effort was an accomplishment; however, surpassing last year’s total to raise over $7,000 for the Children’s Hospital’s unstoppable kids was our biggest point of pride.

We’ve raised the bar, and we cannot wait to see what might happen in 2026.

Our annual LemonAid efforts are just one more way Capital Square cares, rallying our team and our surrounding community together in pursuit of being the change needed in the places where we work, live, build and invest.

The post Building Futures through LemonAid 2025 appeared first on Capital Square - Raising capital, buildings and expectations.

Capital Square’s founder and co-CEO, Louis Rogers; executive vice president and co-head of development, Natalie Mason; and vice president of investor communications and REIT operations, Jessica Dodt-Escobar authored the article, titled “Four Cities, Four Opportunity Zones: Lasting Results of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Legislation.”

Read the full piece to hear their in-depth insights and analysis.

View PDF

The post Capital Square in the Novogradac Journal of Tax Credits: Four Cities, Four Opportunity Zones appeared first on Capital Square - Raising capital, buildings and expectations.

Discover the transformation:

Opportunity zones developments like these are one of our specialties, delivering significant economic impact to local communities while targeting the legacy-building goals of investors.

Contact our team to continue the tax-advantaged real estate investment conversation about qualified opportunity zone funds and more.

Disclosure: Securities offered through WealthForge Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Capital Square and WealthForge Securities, LLC are separate entities. There are material risks associated with investing in DST properties and real estate securities including illiquidity, tenant vacancies, general market conditions and competition, lack of operating history, interest rate risks, the risk of new supply coming to market and softening rental rates, general risks of owning/operating commercial and multifamily properties, short-term leases associated with multifamily properties, financing risks, potential adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks, long hold periods, and potential loss of the entire investment principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Potential cash flow, returns and appreciation are not guaranteed. IRC Section 1031 is a complex tax concept; consult your legal or tax professional regarding the specifics of your particular situation. This is not a solicitation or an offer to see any securities. Please read the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) in its entirety, paying careful attention to the risk section prior to investing. Diversification does not guarantee profits or protect against losses. Private placements are speculative.

The post Building the Future of Richmond’s Scott’s Addition appeared first on Capital Square - Raising capital, buildings and expectations.

“See that building?” Steele said to the room of women, pointing to the massive construction project only blocks away. “A woman is heading that up.”

MAEVE, a 20-story mixed-use tower across from the Convention Center in a thriving part of downtown, is changing the skyline of Raleigh. With 297 luxury apartment units and approximately 8,384 square feet of ground floor retail space, the project is Capital Square’s sixth opportunity zone development. Steele, a tax-advantaged investment specialist, was already quite familiar with the construction project. Seizing upon the interest in the room, she immediately contacted Natalie Mason, executive vice president and co-head of development at Capital Square.

Thus, the concept of the Pink Hat Tour was born.

Not long thereafter, a private tour of the construction site allowed ULI members, community leaders, resident representatives and investors an inside look at the spacious, double-height resident lobby leading to approximately 30,000 square feet of amenity space, as well as what would soon be a resort-style swimming pool and rooftop lounge. Capital Square team members, including Mason, led the tour, discussing the unique features of the building, including its proprietary precast façade system, as well as how MAEVE is being introduced to the market.

While the tour, and the connected educational real estate investment seminar, were open to all, the inclusion of pink hard hats gave a subtle nod to the many well-respected women leading the way. The naming of MAEVE itself had only recently been announced: a fresh yet refined brand identity with ascension at its core – offering the next chapter of upscale Raleigh living and an oasis away from the daily hustle, while the vibrancy of the city remains at residents’ doorsteps. MAEVE’s female name was not lost on the day’s audience.

“Natalie is brilliant and so easy to work with,” continued Steele. “In my world, I’ve worked with funds all over the country, and we love working with Capital Square. MAEVE is an incredible project.”

The pink hats may no longer be on site in Raleigh, but the impression they made was a lingering one. The Capital Square team is so grateful to Amanda Steele and the Crawford 1031 Advisors team for their partnership on this event as well as additional hosts W.M. Jordan Company and JDAVIS.

MAEVE is on schedule to welcome its first residents in early 2025 and is one more example of how we are developing and managing the future, one property at a time.

Disclaimer: Securities offered through WealthForge Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Capital Square and WealthForge Securities, LLC are separate entities. There are material risks associated with investing in DST properties and real estate securities including illiquidity, tenant vacancies, general market conditions and competition, lack of operating history, interest rate risks, the risk of new supply coming to market and softening rental rates, general risks of owning/operating commercial and multifamily properties, short term leases associated with multi-family properties, financing risks, potential adverse tax consequences, general economic risks, development risks, long hold periods, and potential loss of the entire investment principal. Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Potential cash flow, returns and appreciation are not guaranteed. IRC Section 1031 is a complex tax concept; consult your legal or tax professional regarding the specifics of your particular situation. This is not a solicitation or an offer to see any securities. Please read the Private Placement Memorandum (PPM) in its entirety, paying careful attention to the risk section prior to investing. Diversification does not guarantee profits or protect against losses. Private placements are speculative.

The post MAEVE’s Pink Hat Tour: Female-Inspired with Ascension at its Core appeared first on Capital Square - Raising capital, buildings and expectations.

We knew that if we combined talent and resources across all divisions of our real estate firm, we could create a significant impact, allowing for a meaningful difference in the community. As a long-term partner of the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and as a firm dedicated to building the future, especially the future of our youth in our philanthropic efforts, we were honored to participate in Anthem’s annual “LemonAid” fundraising event.

Our expansive efforts led to “LemonAid” stands across the state of Virginia, raising funds for the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and doing our part in the fight against childhood cancer. One lemonade cup at a time, we raised over $6,000 for the children.

Countless on-site property teams went above and beyond with gusto for this project, leaning into this impact-creation event with beautifully designed tabletops, hand-made lemonade stands, and bonus treats for community members who stopped by.

Thanks to the efforts across all divisions of our real estate firm, by the end of the “LemonAid” drive, our Capital Square Cares initiative ranked #1 for the most donors participating in a single effort. We also ranked #2 for the largest amount donated to the Children’s Hospital of Richmond.

We loved the opportunity to rally our team together in pursuit of being the change needed in the communities where we work, live, build and invest. Thank you to the Misty Ridge, Rivergate, Streets of Greenbrier and Saltmeadow Bay communities for sharing your “LemonAid” stand photos for this article, and thank you to every single CSL community in Virginia for your time and energy. When our teams come together, amazing things can happen!

This is only our latest demonstration of how Capital Square cares. From diaper drives to toy drives to radiothons and so much more, at Capital Square, we are always working to build something bigger than ourselves.

The post A Team Collaboration for “LemonAid” & Fighting Childhood Cancer appeared first on Capital Square - Raising capital, buildings and expectations.