LEADING WITH INTEGRITY
TO BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY
Project Design & Leadership
With our experience as general contractors, architects, engineers, developers, appraisers, Realtors, Building Inspectors, Planning Commissioners and other City staff, HartWest | HartMarin has the broad range of capabilities to effectively create and manage a successful project of any size. Many of the current and recent projects profiled on this web site are based on our creative design.
Asset Management
With our broad range of training and experience, HartWest | HartMarin is often called on to manage the real estate portfolios of our clients. We currently manage close to a thousand units on hundreds of properties covering hundreds of acres, and have been involved in asset management of over $1 billion of real estate project value. Not to be confused with Property Management, Asset Management involves the strategic use, disposition and entitlement of varied property types to generate the highest possible value for our clients. Business Planning and Asset Management Strategy is our forte.
Feasibility Studies
Rob Hart has been preparing real estate development feasibility studies for more than 20 years. Projects have ranged from large-scale communities of thousands of units on thousands of acres to the best use of a vacant lot. We save our clients money by first doing a very quick analysis at the macro level. If the project looks promising, we expand our scope and begin a more in depth analysis. We always begin by figuring out how the project can benefit the community and protect the environment. If the project does not look viable as first envisioned, rather than giving up, we provide alternative positive development scenarios for the client to consider.
Business Plans
Our successful feasibility studies often lead to the creation of a business plan to guide the development. These plans can be as simple as a pro-forma budget and cash flow projection tied to a master plan and schedule, or as complex as complete design guidelines, ordinances, membership or equity club structures and a cost accounting system for the development of a new town.
Contract Development
After working with us for a short time, most of our clients have us completely take over a project as contract developers. We are also available to take on a more limited consulting role. We help clients through the formation of a development team, design, approvals, financing, construction and operation of their properties. HartWest | HartMarin is often called in to manage projects that are already underway. With his notable community experience, Brian Swartz’s proprietary method of gaining broad neighborhood support for controversial projects through a collaborative, iterative approach has led to the successful entitlements of many projects. As a licensed general contractor and former City Building Inspector, Realtor and Certified Appraiser trained in architecture, civil and structural engineering, Rob Hart has the expertise to manage all aspects of construction. Our construction management staff can pro-actively anticipate conflicts before they arise. We mediate disputes, solve complex conflicts between trades and continually find ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality.
Financial Analysis & Control
Over the years, HartWest | HartMarin has managed the finances of the majority of the projects we work on. We have created an easily understandable set of budgets, draw requests, change orders and other documents that allow our clients to follow the cash flow of any size project. We typically handle the periodic payment of all expenses for a project, and present the owner with a clear status report each month. We also consult with lenders on construction loan practices, inspections and project viability. We treat all projects with the highest level of fiscal responsibility and confidentiality.
Green Development Practices
What is now called “Green Building” is simply a re-packaging of the conservation practices we have followed for generations. While trying to get more people to “build green” is debated and encouraged around the globe, HartWest | HartMarin is out there in the field leading the way. We are not referring to bamboo flooring and low VOC paints, but rather an integral understanding of human needs and earth’s resources. Our large-scale projects routinely blow green rating systems away.
In-fill development, employer-provided affordable housing, kinetic architecture, designed efficiency and creative energy are alive on our drawing boards. From our "GreenStreets" technology to proprietary temperature balancing systems, we have developed prototypes for a number of green innovations that are now gaining market acceptance.
Types of Projects
Affordable Housing
HartMarin pioneered the first single-family detached affordable housing project by a private developer with no public funds, tax credits, subsidies or grants in California. Our affordable housing projects have won the 2007 Award of Excellence for Smart Growth & Workforce Housing and been called “a model for regional planning” by the Association of Bay Area Governments.
Community Development-Mixed Use
Rob Hart’s development background is in large-scale resort communities. From “Main Streets” and public parks to equity club structure and infrastructure, we have the experience to help create a balanced and viable community. We also specialize in Public/Private Partnerships that result in projects that benefit the community. Many of our newer projects focus on mixed use development on in-fill locations.
Multi Family Residential
Whether it is an urban live/work loft, an apartment building or a condominium project, HartMarin has the development experience to deliver a successful project. We have particular expertise in evaluation, project management, site improvements, and complex construction issues in this legally sensitive field of real estate. HartWest has successfully retro-fitted large condominium complexes with major waterproofing problems. We work with HOA's to analyze assessments and assist groups with Co-op housing.
Commercial
We have assisted clients in a wide range of commercial ventures from destination shopping villages to convenience centers. We prepare business plans, net leasing strategies, parking optimization analysis and compare methods of construction among other services. Neighborhood acceptance can either doom or lead to the success of a commercial venture. HartWest | HartMarin has an acclaimed community outreach program that leads to easier approvals.
Institutional
HartWest | HartMarin has been deeply involved in the programming, design, approval, financing and construction of both schools and religious institutions. We have enabled assembly spaces, classrooms, dormitories, administration, seminaries, retreat centers, recreation and public gathering areas. We understand the committee environment and work with all stakeholders to reach consensus.
Recreational
From local recreation centers to golf courses to marinas, HartWest | HartMarin and their team of experts have the knowledge base to create an outstanding amenity package. We have worked with professionals ranging from some of the world’s leading golf course architects to local pool subcontractors.
Light Industrial
Assisting clients with Light Industrial development is often ancillary to our Institutional and Community Development work. We recently completed a state-of-the-art auto repair facility for a local Ford dealership, as well as a solar-powered maintenance facility for a large non-profit retreat facility. HartMarin understands that industry is a valuable element in a holistic community.
Single Family Residential
If you are looking for the height of luxury with no thought to expense or impact, look elsewhere. If you want a livable home that will make a difference, we can make it happen.