Sierra Development offers support in the way of providing unique, modern lofts to fulfill a community’s housing needs.
For more than 15 years, Sierra Development has specialized in the planning, design, development and property management of exceptional mutli-family communities. As an organization with a combined 120-years of experience, 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. LIVE IT. LOVE IT. LOFT IT.
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.
MEET the Sierra development team
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, Savannah, Nashville, Tenn., and most recently in Macon, Georgia, where the company is headquartered.
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.
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.
Ginger McDaniel
Georgia native Ginger McDaniel is Sierra Property Management’s Assistant Controller. With over 15 years of experience in accounting and leasing in the Macon area, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the team. She joined our corporate team in the Fall of 2020 and has since proven herself to be a valuable asset to the inner workings of Sierra’s day-to-day and long term goals. Always keeping an eye on the finest of details, McDaniel ensures the accuracy of our reporting and strategic planning. Ginger McDaniel earned her bachelor of Business Administration from Georgia Southwestern State in Americus, Georgia and now happily resides here in Middle Georgia.
Samantha Hickman
Samantha Hickman is the Planning and Training Manager for Sierra Property Management. She not only loves working for the Lofts but also living at the Lofts. Sam was originally attracted to a career with Sierra Property Management - LIVE AT LOFTS because of the brand's positive impact on the community. Since joining the company, Sam has worked to bring the same positive impact to the team and the communities we serve. From Leasing Agent to Executive Assistant and now Planning and Training Manager, Sam has proven herself as a talented individual with a solid work ethic we can rely on. She holds a degree in Business Management and HR from Georgia Southern University. Sam's vision is aligned with that of Sierra's and is she looking forward to contributing to and celebrating the company's growth throughout the Southeast.
Ed Ware
Ed Ware is the Director of Facility Management for Sierra Property Management. Ed has over 16 years of experience in multifamily and new development projects. His role spearheads the operating improvement and efficiencies in the Facilities function of the property management software platform by implementing use of the four functionalities – Service Requests, Inspections, Make Readies, Asset Tracking – and the Storefront and Vendor Marketplace components of the Spend Management module within the property management accounting software.
In addition, Ed oversees technical and mechanical work that ensures the inside and external buildings, grounds, amenities, and common areas of all communities meet the Company’s standards for cleanliness, appearance, safety, and overall functionality. He collaborates with the Community Managers and Maintenance Teams to oversee and handle small construction and/or improvement projects.
