ABOUT

Creating vibrant communities and enhancing lifestyles through
strategic partnerships and commitment to excellence.

downtown-macon-ga.jpg
 
 

Sierra Development offers support in the way of providing unique, modern lofts to fulfill a community’s housing needs.

For more than 35 years, Sierra Development has specialized in the planning, design, development and property management of exceptional mutli-family communities. As an organization with a combined experience of over 75 years, we recognize the crucial impact that can be made on a community through the planning and placement of well-thought-out properties that cater to the needs of the public. Our team oversees all phases of development, from conception of the project to buildout to the management of the asset(s). 

Our strategic community partnerships are key in understanding the climate of the market and formulating the best development and management decisions that are ideal for the current and future landscape. By intentionally partnering with institutions in the fields of higher education and healthcare, Sierra Development has been able to bring a clearer, more concise vision into focus that enriches the lives of those we serve. 

“Working with (Sierra) has proven to be a benchmark for a good and trusting relationship. Partnership is a dance; it is either performed with synchrony or it will be a disaster.”

— Ninfa Saunders, CEO, Navicent Healthcare 

When selecting a site location, our team looks at the entire picture – big and small. Walkability is one of the most important elements of our brand. This not only enriches the lives of our residents by offering the convenience of work and play within walking distance, but it also benefits the community at-large by increasing foot traffic to retail, office buildings, community parks and local eateries. We are not just a place to live. We are a community within a community.

Once the location is identified, Sierra Development works closely with the design team: architects, engineers and our property management team, to ensure the completed product reflects the voice of our partners, residents, stakeholders and community. Our development team spearheads the oversight of all construction projects from entitlements to site design, architectural design and engineering, construction closeout to turning the property over to the management team. There have been a lot of changes in multi-family development, and we take pride in continually working to be on the cutting edge of design. 

“From the day the site work begins, we are working with our contractors to ensure that the highest quality standards are being met. Our attention to detail throughout the construction process defines us, and our commitment to excellence drives our team throughout the development process. If our last project is not better than the previous one, we have not met our goals,” said Sierra Development President Jim Daws, who brings nearly 35 years of development experience in Middle Georgia and throughout the Southeast.

Sierra Development is known for its state-of-the-art fitness facilities, well-appointed coffee bars and clubrooms, high-speed internet, mail and package services, outdoor lounges and an unmatched customer service team. With the privilege of welcoming our residents’ home each and every day, our team has worked tirelessly to establish and refine our LIVE AT LOFTS brand. The LIVE AT LOFTS lifestyle is centered around a positive, enriching experience that starts with great leadership at the corporate level and proudly carries throughout the entire organization.  

 

"They do what they say they are going to do, and they do it well. We know we can count on them, even when the development is complete."

— Bill Underwood, President, Mercer University

 

Our brand is more than just an image; it’s a promise. Our goal is to convey our commitment to excellence by making genuine, impactful impressions in every opportunity we seek and are afforded.

Since 2009, Sierra Development has primarily focused on developing in Macon, Georgia. Macon has experienced an incredible transformation over the past 10 years that has brought about new jobs, new businesses, new events and, most importantly, new opportunities. With this carefully-crafted vision, we are excited to expand our footprint to other cities in the South. No detail is too small, and no vision is unattainable.

 

Capricorn 001.jpg
Lofts at Mercer Landing Skyroom.jpg
Lofts at Bass clubroom4.jpg
0081.jpg
F4F7C121-A138-43CD-815A-8041479586F8_1_201_a.jpeg
SL09032015-1053.jpg
 
 

Our team

 
 
DSC06070.jpg

JAMES DAWS

Macon resident and developer Jim Daws is the president of Sierra Development. The firm specializes in lifestyle-rich, mixed-use developments throughout the Southeast, including Atlanta, Athens, Dalton, Macon, Valdosta, Warner Robins, Jacksonville, FL, Nashville, TN, Mobile, AL, and most recently in Opelika, AL.

Daws earned his Bachelor’s from Georgia Tech in Management and a Master’s from the University of Georgia in Forest Resources. Starting with his first commercial development in 1988, the Allstate Building on Macon’s Riverside Drive, he has since developed shopping centers, condos, townhomes, and over 7,500 multi-family units.

DSC02810.jpg

JAY COCHRAN

Macon resident Jay Cochran is the Director of Construction for Sierra Development. Cochran has significant experience in the construction and real estate industry including development, construction and asset management. He has been involved in projects in excess of $700 million including multifamily, student housing, senior housing, mixed-use and single family residential.

He holds a Master of Engineering, Construction Engineering Management from The University of Alabama at Birmingham and a Bachelor of Science from Valdosta State University.