Hillwood Expands into Memphis

By Keith Loria, Contributing Editor

Kurt Nelson

Hillwood Investment Properties will open an office in Memphis, Tenn., with real estate vet Kurt Nelson joining the firm as senior vice president to lead the new venture.

Nelson brings nearly two decades of experience in industrial real estate development, having served as senior vice president and regional director for IDI Gazeley, while based in Memphis. He began his career at NationsBank as management associate in the trust department and also served as senior financial analyst at CB Commercial.

“We are very pleased to welcome an accomplished real estate leader like Kurt to the Hillwood team,” Tal Hicks, Hillwood Investment Properties’ president, said in a company release. “Kurt brings invaluable expertise and advanced knowledge of the Memphis market that is well suited for Hillwood’s long-term commitment to the region’s growth and development.”

Over the past 13 years, Nelson has marketed and negotiated leases and sales of more than 16 million square feet, and led the development of 24 buildings totaling more than 11 million square feet.

Nelson holds a bachelor’s degree in business from Wake Forest University and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Georgia.

Hillwood is no stranger to the area. The firm owns the Pilot and Southpark distribution centers in the state and the Airways Distribution Center, DeSoto Trade Center and Hacks Cross Logistics Center in nearby Mississippi.

To date, Hillwood has developed 35 million square feet, leased 36.2 million square feet and acquired 19 million square feet across the U.S. Hillwood’s developments currently house facilities for more than 85 companies listed on the Fortune 500, Global 500 or Forbes List of Top Private firms.

Its most recent action is the development of the West Hills Business Center, two buildings at a 230-acre industrial park in Lehigh Valley, Penn., which began construction this month.