This vertically-integrated full-service development team is evolving the way Tampa designs, fabricates and builds.
It’s easy to have preconceived notions about how to approach a development project. A typical project—comprised of a developer, architect and contractor—usually sees each entity autonomous in their specific role. Yet, Dan and Sam Ochstein of DODO Investments chose to circumvent this convention.
After successfully developing a portfolio of multi-family properties, DODO saw the potential inherent in utilizing a more collaborative, vertically-integrated development team. The father-and-son team were working with longtime friend and realtor Bianca Lopez to spearhead future land acquisitions.
“Pursuing off-market deals and assembling multiple properties is necessary for finding the best land for my developers,” Lopez says.
Having recently closed Wolf Partners’ first development at 419 W. Frances Ave. in Tampa Heights, Lopez recognized the philosophical alignment between the two entities and connected DODO with Wolf Partners.
Tampa residents Adam Wolf and Josh Nicholson, of Wolf Partners, had been incubating and refining a vertically integrated structure for years. Having worked in the architecture and construction industry for a combined three decades, they were frustrated with the industry’s lack of technological advancement compared to other business sectors.
“In order to effectively adopt new construction technologies, we felt it was necessary to vertically integrate both our business structure and process,” says Adam Wolf, co-founder and principal at Wolf Partners.
In 2020 they launched Wolf Partners, an architecture, fabrication and building company with goals of transforming the real estate development process.
The Ochsteins, having successfully started and sold two window manufacturing companies, partnered with Wolf on the fabrication component, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record of success.
“After years of experience in real estate and manufacturing, we realized that the best developments would emanate from the merger of all facets, from acquisition to design to construction,” explains Dan Ochstein, of DODO Investments. “We found kindred spirits in Wolf Partners.”
Together, DODO Investments and Wolf Partners specialize in urban infill multifamily properties, designing dwellings that are site specific and technologically forward thinking.
The design team is led by Architect Adam Wolf.
“We approach design without stylistic preconceptions, but let each project be informed by its larger geographic and historical context,” says Wolf, providing insight into how the team finds design inspiration. “Our technology enables what we call ‘mass customization,’ the ability to create unique architecture for each project, but still efficient and effective from a fabrication standpoint.”
While some of their projects may look more traditional at first glance—the delivery process is anything but.
”We virtually ‘build’ the project in 4D computer space, thoughtfully arranging each framing member,” explains Chief Operations Officer and Partner Jason Holsopple, who leads the fabrication team. “This ‘digital building’ is then sent directly to our fabrication machines, which custom cuts each framing member out of light gauge steel. The components are then assembled into wall, floor and roof panels.”
Josh Nicholson, Co-Founder and Principal at Wolf Partners, oversees the development and construction of the firm’s multifamily portfolio.
“We take care to thoughtfully employ the wealth of information accrued during the design phases into the construction process,” says Nicholson. “The lessons learned executing one project are incorporated into the design and fabrication of the next, evolving and adapting to respond to building challenges.”
Wolf Partners have an exclusive listing agreement with Bianca Lopez, of Smith & Associates, with 140 townhome units scheduled for completion in 2022-2023.
The entire team, all long-time Tampa residents, are proud to be making an impact in their hometown.
“As developers, our greatest contribution to Tampa is to be involved in how our neighborhoods grow and flourish,” says Wolf. “We consider ourselves stewards of the city and the people who live here, working to cultivate great communities through our contribution to the built environment.”
Wolf Partners
Instagram: @wolf.partners
Phone: 813.557.9041
Email: info@wolfpartners.com
For Listing/Sales Info: Bianca Lopez
Instagram: @iambiancalopez
Phone: 813.401.8415
Email: Blopez@smithandassociates.com
