Alkenly Ortiz
MA
Summary
Real Estate Developer & Project Manager specializing in multifamily housing, with years of hands-on experience delivering impactful, sustainable, and community-driven projects. Expertise in leading complex development processes from acquisition to construction, including navigating financing, zoning, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. A proven track record of delivering high-quality developments that meet the housing needs of underserved communities, while optimizing budgets and timelines through strategic planning and value engineering. Passionate about leveraging architectural expertise and cross-functional team leadership to create spaces that foster economic mobility and positive social change. Skilled in negotiating with investors, local governments, and contractors to ensure project success and community integration.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Real Estate Development - Project Manager
Common Ground Development Corporation
04.2024 - Current
- Championed budget optimization for large-scale developments, cutting hard costs by over $12M through value-engineering strategies, ensuring project feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
- Created proformas for multiple developments, leveraging funding sources and tax credits to bridge budget gaps, resulting in successful project funding.
- Developed comprehensive environmental review strategies and applications (e.g., HUD Environmental Review for 144 Greenmont), securing approvals and advancing projects toward construction.
- Led the site acquisition process for multiple affordable housing projects, identifying land parcels that meet housing production needs, contributing to our portfolio of 193 units of affordable housing in Massachusetts.
- Fostered relationships with local municipalities, negotiating permits, and advocating for development-friendly policies, including through meetings with state representatives and town leaders.
- Managed vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring all materials met durability and budget standards, collaborating with general contractors and architects on material selection and project specifics.
- Coordinated with solar consultants, electric vehicle charging station experts, and other specialists to incorporate sustainable solutions into developments, meeting environmental and operational goals.
- Led weekly team meetings to discuss project milestones, challenges, and action items, ensuring alignment with deadlines and key deliverables.
- Oversaw ground-breaking events, development milestones, and the creation of project agendas, ensuring clear communication across teams and stakeholders.
- Authored all meeting minutes for board, development, and staff meetings, ensuring accurate documentation and transparent communication across project teams.
- Managed grant applications and funding negotiations, securing up to $250K in state and federal grant funding for project development, including coordination of CEDAC and OneStop applications.
- Led the completion of complex proformas for RFPs, including detailed eligibility criteria for multiple funding sources, ensuring comprehensive and accurate applications.
- Successfully navigated complex permitting processes, including comprehensive environmental permitting and water utility negotiations, ensuring projects met all state and federal compliance requirements.
- Directed environmental due diligence and coordinated with architects and engineers to secure necessary approvals, reducing project delays and ensuring environmental safety.
- Managed the development of tenant selection plans, working closely with property management to ensure compliance with local preferences and affordable housing requirements.
- Negotiated and secured permits, including curb cut permits with local municipalities, ensuring smooth project execution and minimizing delays.
- Created detailed requisition systems for vendors and contractors, streamlining invoicing and payment processes, ensuring timely project completion.
- Led communication with prospective residents, addressing inquiries related to construction timelines, lease-up processes, and project updates based on the tenant selection plan.
- Actively participated in resident organizing efforts at existing properties, building relationships and fostering positive community engagement.
Real Estate Development Summer Associate
Llegat McCall Properties
05.2023 - 08.2023
- Contributed in securing 100 thousand dollars from private grants from the state for the Bunker Hill Development project, showcasing adeptness in funding acquisition for construction and demolition activities.
- Engaged in detailed discussions about land leasing, funding sources, subcontractor payments, and pre-development fees, demonstrating a strong grasp of financial management principles in real estate development.
- Quickly acquainted with the ambitious Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment project, comprehensively understanding its scale, goals, and complexities.
- Acquired valuable insights during site visits, encompassing construction processes, financial considerations, and environmental impact assessments.
- Actively contributed to stakeholder meetings, team gatherings, and project updates, fostering discussions on inclusion, diversity, and overcoming construction challenges.
- Demonstrated dedication and commitment by maintaining involvement in ongoing projects, ensuring project completion and continuous learning.
- Participated in budget meetings for the Bunker Hill affordable housing project, gaining insights into grant billing procedures and project financial management.
- Engaged in community activities for the Bunker Hill project, fostering relationships and showcasing a commitment to social responsibility.
- Played a pivotal role in the initial meeting for a significant project in Canton, MA mastering key project management considerations and development processes.
- Participated in an initial meeting for a significant project at 399 Neponset Street, learning about key considerations such as unit density, building height, parking ratios, special permits, and zoning laws, demonstrating understanding of project management and development processes.
- Utilized a work opportunity during a holiday to focus on developing a Real Estate Development Dictionary for the firm, showcasing dedication, initiative, and time management skills.
Architectural Designer
ICON Architecture
09.2021 - 05.2023
- Oversaw the modernization of Salem Heights, a 283-unit affordable housing community in Salem, MA, focusing on energy efficiency and inclusivity.
- Led the development of two 5-story attached buildings with 98 contemporary apartments at the Merrimack Redevelopment Site, Lawrence, MA.
- Managed project phases from bidding to schematic design presentation, aligning with community requirements and Board of Directors' expectations.
- Contributed to a transformative mixed-use development at 44 Broadway, East Somerville, integrating modern living and community integration.
- Conducted comprehensive punch-list inspections and generated detailed reports at the Overlook Terrace Affordable Residential Community to ensure quality standards and maintain project progress.
- Participated in the renovation of academic spaces at the Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University.
- Designed ground-level commercial and retail spaces, emphasizing family accommodation with two- and three-bedroom configurations.
- Collaborated with multiple architects to ensure a cohesive design approach and managed detailed specifications at the Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University.
- Engaged in client interactions and schematic design development at the DyeWorks Project, Lawrence, MA.
Architectural Intern
Architectural Consulting Services
05.2018 - 09.2021
- Utilized advanced computer-aided design (CAD) software such as AutoCAD, Revi and SketchUp to create detailed architectural drawings, 3D models, and renderings.
- Collaborated with senior architects and project managers to develop and refine design concepts, ensuring compliance with architectural regulations, building codes, and industry standards.
- Conducted comprehensive research on architectural regulations, zoning codes, and building ordinances to support design development and permit application processes. Assisted in the preparation of design plans, construction documents, and specifications, contributing to the overall project documentation and coordination efforts.
- Participated in project meetings and site visits to gain hands-on experience and insights into project requirements, client expectations, and construction processes.
- Supported project teams in reviewing and evaluating contractor submissions, technical drawings, and material specifications to ensure quality control and adherence to project specifications.
Carpenter Apprentice
Habitat for Humanity
08.2015 - 08.2017
- Worked closely with experienced carpenters and construction teams to interpret specifications and construction drawings, gaining valuable insights into residential and commercial building codes, standards, and practices.
- Assisted in planning and executing construction tasks, including framing, finishing, and joining, ensuring precise and high-quality workmanship in accordance with project requirements and industry standards.
- Collaborated with team members to complete tasks efficiently and effectively, contributing to the timely completion of construction projects and meeting project milestones.
- Operated and maintained a variety of hand and power tools safely and effectively, demonstrating proficiency in tool usage and maintenance protocols.
- Participated in site preparation, material handling, and cleanup activities, maintaining a clean and organized work environment and adhering to safety protocols and regulations.
Education
Master of Science - Real Estate Development
Boston Architectural College
Boston, MA05-2024
Master of Science - Architecture
Boston Architectural College
Boston, MA12-2023
Bachelor of Science - Architecture
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA05-2021
Skills
- Financial & Proforma Analysis
- Due Diligence
- Project Management
- Site Acquisitions
- Land Use Permitting & Entitlements
- Market Research
- Project Financing
- Financial Modeling
- Analytical Skills
- Understanding of Development Transactions
- Strong verbal and graphic communication skills
- Negotiation Skills
- Adobe Illustrator, InDesign & Photoshop
- Risk Management
- Legal Compliance
- CoStar Software
- Bluebeam Revu
- Microsoft Office
- Google Suite
- Revit
- 2D and 3D renderings
- All architectural and construction phases
- Project Coordination & Execution
- Team Leadership & Cross-Departmental Coordination
- Risk Management & Mitigation
- Vendor & Consultant Management
- Stakeholder & Client Interaction
- Cost Estimation & Financial Modeling
- Budget Management & Cost Control
- Grant Writing & Fund Sourcing
- Requisition & Invoice Management
- Affordable Housing Financing (eg, LIHTC, HUD Funding)
- Compliance & Regulatory Knowledge (HUD, Section 3, WBE)
- Sustainability & Energy Efficiency Integration
- Environmental Due Diligence (Phase 1 ESA, HUD Review)
- Permitting & Zoning Expertise
- Legal & Contractual Negotiations
- Stakeholder Communication & Engagement
- Negotiation Skills (Deals, Contracts, Agreements)
- Public Speaking & Project Presentations
- Process Improvement & Workflow Optimization
- Documentation Management & Reporting
- File Management & Digital Systems (Basecamp, Intelligrants)
- Issue Resolution & Crisis Management
- Strategic Decision-Making & Prioritization
- Value Engineering & Cost Efficiency
- Internal Team Collaboration (Architects, Engineers, Contractors)
- External Partnerships (Local Government, Investors, Lenders)
- Market Feasibility & Site Analysis
- Land Acquisition Strategy & Site Selection
- Resident Relations & Communication
- Tenant Selection & Coordination
- Government & Developer Negotiations
- Partnership Building (State & Local Agencies, EOHLC)
- Project Management Software (Basecamp, Intelligrants)
- Digital Documentation & Filing Systems
Accomplishments
- AIAS University of Massachusetts Guest Speaker
- Greater Lawrence Technical High School commencement guest speaker
- Member of the National Society of Leadership
- Member of the American Institute of Architecture Students organization
- United States Presidential Scholar
- United States Presidential Advisor and Executive Advisor Position
- Third place winner for the County Vocational Math Competition
- Part of The National Society of High School Scholars
- Massachusetts 2016 2017 Nominee United States CTE Presidential Scholar Award Winner
Certification
- Affordable Housing Essentials Certificate
- Project and Program Management for Non-Profits Certification
- Tax Credit Certification
- ACRE Certification
- Excellence Award for Affordable Housing Development
- Affordable Housing Finance & Development Certification
- Planning 101 – Planning and Development at the Local Level, Melking Institute
- OSHA 10-hour card & Certificate of Completion 10-hour Construction Safety Training
- Hilti Power Actuated Tools Qualified Operator Certification
- ABC & Gould Carpentry Merit Apprenticeship Program Certification
- Division of Apprentice Training Certification
Affiliations
- Melking Institute
- CHAPA
- ULI
- CoreNet
- NOMA
- AIAS
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Awards
- AIAS University of Massachusetts Guest Speaker
- Greater Lawrence Technical High School commencement guest speaker
- Member of the National Society of Leadership
- Member of the American Institute of Architecture Students organization
- United States Presidential Scholar
- United States Presidential Advisor and Executive Advisor Position
- Third place winner for the County Vocational Math Competition
- Part of The National Society of High School Scholars
- Massachusetts 2016 2017 Nominee United States CTE Presidential Scholar Award Winner
Timeline
Real Estate Development - Project Manager
Common Ground Development Corporation
04.2024 - Current
Real Estate Development Summer Associate
Llegat McCall Properties
05.2023 - 08.2023
Architectural Designer
ICON Architecture
09.2021 - 05.2023
Architectural Intern
Architectural Consulting Services
05.2018 - 09.2021
Carpenter Apprentice
Habitat for Humanity
08.2015 - 08.2017
Master of Science - Real Estate Development
Boston Architectural College
Master of Science - Architecture
Boston Architectural College
Bachelor of Science - Architecture
University of Massachusetts Amherst
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