ARTISAN Capital Group

Background

Founded in 2017, ARTISAN Capital Group (ACG) is a multi-family investment manager headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with a regional office in Des Moines, Iowa. ACG specializes in acquisitions, asset management, property management, and construction oversight, focusing on delivering superior risk-adjusted returns by investing in multi-family and student housing assets in markets often overlooked by traditional capital sources.

Key Strategic Focus

ACG's investment strategy centers on value-add and opportunistic multi-family investments. The firm operates two primary platforms:

Market-Rate Multi-Family: Concentrated in the Midwest, targeting well-located communities with 200+ units, emphasizing urban in-fill and suburban locations in "A" or "B" submarkets.

Student Housing: National in scope, focusing on properties with 200+ beds, particularly in pedestrian-friendly urban areas near educational institutions.

ACG seeks opportunities often overlooked by institutional firms due to factors like market size, asset age, and financing complexities.

Financials and Funding

While specific financial details are not publicly disclosed, ACG has demonstrated significant growth since its inception. The firm has expanded its portfolio to nearly 6,000 apartment units across six states, indicating robust financial health and successful capital deployment.

Pipeline Development

ACG's recent acquisitions underscore its strategic growth:

Equinox Apartments: A 266-unit community in St. Anthony, Minnesota, acquired in partnership with Eastham Capital in January 2025.

Cityville on 9th: A premier apartment community in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, acquired in May 2024, further solidifying ACG's presence in the Des Moines market.

Wakonda Village: Located in Des Moines, Iowa, acquired in December 2023 in partnership with Eastham Capital.

Technological Platform and Innovation

ACG's competitive edge lies in its hands-on approach to real estate investing. The firm's team is intimately involved in each asset, from deal identification to optimizing asset performance. This approach leverages the collective 75+ years of experience among its partners, enabling efficient analysis of both on and off-market opportunities.

Leadership Team

Ryan R. Cahalan, Partner: Co-founder with over 20 years of real estate investment experience, overseeing acquisitions and strategic growth.

Michael G. Perry, Partner: Co-founder with over 25 years in multi-family investment, focusing on asset management, corporate operations, and investor relations.

Sean P. Fogarty, Partner: Joined in 2019, bringing over 30 years of experience in commercial and multi-housing real estate, specializing in brokerage, acquisitions, and asset management.

Marcus P. Kjeldsen, Senior Vice President – Asset Management: Leads the asset management department, focusing on financial management and strategic planning.

Gregory A. Marx, Executive Vice President – Student Housing Investments: Heads the student housing investment platform, with a background in over $2 billion in student housing transactions.

John L. Chinski, Senior Vice President - Accounting: Oversees accounting and financial reporting for ACG's multifamily properties and investment entities.

Alison “Ali” M. Zirbel, Vice President - Construction Management: Manages construction and renovation projects, leveraging over 10 years of experience in interior design.

Tiffany L. Harper, General Counsel: Provides legal oversight for acquisitions, financing, and daily operations.

Daniel M. Barger, Asset Manager: Manages a portfolio of multifamily assets, focusing on performance monitoring and investment strategies.

Gavin A. Ross, Asset Manager: Oversees a portfolio of multifamily assets, bringing experience in asset management and real estate investment.

Ian J. Morris, Associate - Acquisitions: Supports the acquisitions team with deal underwriting and pipeline management.

Chaz L. Birkenfeld, Asset Management Analyst: Assists in monitoring and optimizing portfolio performance.

Jessica Yip, Staff Accountant: Handles accounting and financial reporting for managed properties.

Leadership Changes

Recent additions to the leadership team include:

Jessica Yip: Joined as Staff Accountant in July 2024.

Gavin A. Ross: Joined as Asset Manager in 2023.

Chaz L. Birkenfeld: Joined as Asset Management Analyst in December 2023.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The multi-family and student housing investment sectors are experiencing growth, driven by increasing demand for rental housing and the expansion of higher education institutions. The Midwest, ACG's primary market, offers attractive investment opportunities due to its stable economies and affordable property prices.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include:

Hammes Partners: Specializes in healthcare real estate investments, focusing on development and management.

Hempel Real Estate: Engages in commercial real estate development and management, with a diverse portfolio across various sectors.

ARTISAN Management Group: ACG's property management arm, providing full-service management for multi-family and commercial properties.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

ACG has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position:

Eastham Capital: Collaborated on multiple acquisitions, including Equinox Apartments and Cityville on 9th.

Ballast Real Estate Partners and Boulder Venture: Partnered to acquire Rock Ridge Commons in Moline, Illinois.

Operational Insights

ACG's strategic presence in Chicago and Des Moines allows for a "boots on the ground" approach, facilitating efficient management and investment oversight. The firm's focus on undervalued markets and hands-on asset management differentiates it from competitors, enabling the identification and capitalization on unique investment opportunities.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

ACG plans to continue its growth by focusing on opportunistic properties and markets, including potential ground-up developments. The firm aims to strengthen existing investor partnerships and forge new ones, ensuring residents "Live Well, LIVE ARTISAN."