Bulletin Board Magazine 2021 Volume 3

Builder Spotlight

KOKES PROPERTIES

Kokes Properties (“Kokes”) is a vertically integrated real estate development firm founded by Michael J. Kokes, a third- generation real estate developer. Kokes’ primary business is focused on developing multifamily and self-storage assets for its own portfolio while concurrently supplementing its real estate holdings through non-core investments that generate strong and stable yields. Kokes employs a full team working across four departments: Acquisition & Entitlements; Development & Construction; Property Management; and, Finance & Accounting. Although each department is individualized in nature, what sets Kokes apart from other real estate companies is its industry knowledge, versatility, and network. All members of the Kokes team bring prior development experience and a nuanced understanding

Bulletin Board | 27 | www.shorebuilders.org Over the past two years, Kokes and partners built and stabilized an 80,000 square foot self-storage facility in Winslow Township, New Jersey, which is currently managed by Extra Space Storage. Kokes also served as a strategic financial partner in a nearby Winslow community known as The Enclave, which of their roles to the firm. For example, Kokes’ development team is headed by Matt Stephens, a former Senior Project Manager with Toll Brothers whose strengths include project management, customer relations, and marketing oversight. Matt has spearheaded the buildout of Kokes’ in-house property management division and plays a leading role in promoting the company’s brand through various advertising initiatives. Since 2018, Matt has served on the Board of Directors of the Shore Builders Association.

consists of 105 townhome-style rentals.

In June of this year, Kokes acquired a single- tenant net lease (STNL) property in Wall Township. Although STNLs are non-core assets for Kokes, the property’s location, design, construction, and tenant, made it an attractive asset for the portfolio. Securing approvals for unentitled land is another competitive advantage that the company has relative to its peer group. As President, Michael J. Kokes is primarily responsible for guiding the firm’s vision with respect to all matters pertaining to site selection, project planning, and entitlement procurement. In June 2020, Mike received amended preliminary and final approval to develop a 190-unit multifamily community in Riverside Township, New Jersey. In March