Nashville-based Southern Land Co., a developer at work on two Denver-area projects, including Centric LoHi at 18th and Central, as well as 17th and Pearl, is opening a Denver office.

According to the company, it is not opening a regional office simply to oversee its current projects, but to make a long-term commitment to consistent activity in the Denver market. Southern Land also intends to use the Denver office to stage potential development westward.

“Denver has a high quality of life that attracts professionals from across the country, fueling its economic growth and low unemployment," said Alex Woodin, who will transfer from Nashville to head up the new office.

Centric LoHi is in the Lower Highland neighborhood. The project consists of 302 multifamily units and 9K SF of commercial space and is leasing units that delivered this month.

17th and Pearl will be a 10-story building with 315 multifamily units and 9K SF of retail. The project includes the historic Tavern Restaurant, which will be preserved as part of the development. Demolition has commenced and site work will start in October.

"We want to be part of the city, and add to the communities in which we build by delivering space that enhance the neighborhoods," Woodin said. "Having a permanent presence here will help us execute on our existing pipeline and capitalize on the long-term opportunity we see throughout the region and the West.”