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Featured Partner

Strategic Partner Spotlight

Sower and ACCESS Commercial: Mutual Goals and Real Estate Expertise, Aligned

One of our most powerful tenets is forming strategic partnerships that create value and drive success. It was with this in mind that we strategically aligned with one of our most significant partners in our commercial real estate sector, ACCESS Commercial.

Access’s mission is embedded in their name, reflecting their commitment to providing access to essential resources and opportunities. ACCESS connects developers with prime real estate, offers employees meaningful and rewarding careers, and enhances communities with beautiful spaces to live, shop, work, and entertain.

ACCESS Commercial’s story began in 2005 when Darren Hicks and Kirk Hanson joined forces at a national retail power center and mall developer. They discovered their shared passion for commercial real estate, focusing on both large and small format retail development, alongside select mixed-use and hospitality projects.

When the market declined in 2009, Darren and Kirk seized the opportunity and launched ACCESS at the 2009 ICSC convention. Initially, they applied their expertise to the struggling commercial real estate market, working with financial institutions to rehabilitate and dispose of distressed assets across the Midwest. As the market rebounded, they leveraged their extensive network of tenants and brokers to manage multiple national retail rollouts, completing over 300 locations for clients capitalizing on the market downturn.

Since 2009, ACCESS has expanded significantly. Supported by robust systems, processes, and a national network of contacts in real estate, construction, and design, their services now include Development, Brokerage, Asset Management, Construction, and Property Management.

Darren leads the development and investment team at ACCESS and several affiliated partnerships. He is also a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sower Capital Management, LLC, and MONTAGE Builders, LLC. He’s overseen over 300 projects, including national retail expansions and $100M mixed-use developments.

Kirk leads the brokerage and management team for several affiliated partnerships. He is also a Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sower Capital Management, LLC, and MONTAGE Builders, LLC. He has managed the leasing of large-format retail projects and assisted in over $1 billion in deal transactions.

A Drive to Create Value

ACCESS’s entrepreneurial approach, systems, processes, and people drive them to outperform competitors. They combine skill sets, passion, and capabilities to deliver outstanding results. ACCESS has had the privilege of working with renowned brands such as Raising Cane’s, Chipotle, Panera Bread, Chase Bank, McDonald’s, and Sportsman’s Warehouse, among others.

Their priority is to create value for all stakeholders involved. They provide full-service support throughout the entire process, and they take pride in offering career growth opportunities in an industry that directly impacts families and communities.

Our Valued Partnership

Sower and ACCESS Commercial collaborate on various commercial real estate projects and leverage our combined expertise to deliver exceptional value in every project we undertake. ACCESS enhances our capabilities, allowing us to tackle complex developments and provide comprehensive solutions to our clients.

Partnership Spotlight: 48th and Dodge Real Estate Development Project

One of the standout projects demonstrating the strength of our partnership is the 48th and Dodge real estate development in Omaha, NE. This project is a testament to our shared vision and commitment to revitalizing urban spaces. ACCESS Commercial has been instrumental in bringing this development to life, providing their expertise in real estate development, construction, and property management.

The 48th and Dodge project aims to transform the area into a vibrant mixed-use space that will include retail, residential, and office components. This development will not only enhance the local community by providing beautiful and functional spaces but also create new opportunities for businesses and residents alike. Through our collaboration with ACCESS, we are confident that this project will set a new standard for urban development in Omaha and beyond.

Partnership Spotlight: Gretna Landing Real Estate Development Project

Another exemplary project showcasing our successful partnership is the Gretna Landing real estate development in Gretna, Nebraska. This project highlights our commitment to fostering growth and development in suburban areas. ACCESS Commercial has played a crucial role in this development, bringing their extensive expertise to the table.

The Gretna Landing project is designed to be a dynamic mixed-use development, featuring retail, dining, entertainment, and residential spaces. This project aims to create a vibrant community hub that will attract both residents and visitors. With ACCESS Commercial’s involvement, we are confident in delivering a high-quality development that meets the needs of the community and sets a benchmark for future projects in the area.

Our partnership with ACCESS Commercial exemplifies our dedication to forming strategic alliances that benefit all stakeholders involved. Together, we are committed to delivering projects that create lasting value and positive impacts on the communities we serve.

For more on Access Commercial, visit their website.