Chasen Companies, under the leadership of Brandon Chasen, is transforming the face of Baltimore through innovative urban development. What began as a journey of entrepreneurial discovery has turned into a force for revitalization in a city once plagued by high crime and neglected neighborhoods. With a unique blend of luxury living, historical preservation, and community upliftment, Chasen Companies is playing a pivotal role in Baltimore’s urban renewal, making the city safer and more appealing to its residents.
A City in Need of Change
Baltimore has long struggled with crime and economic stagnation. In 2017, the city experienced a crime rate of 2027.01 per 100,000 people, a worrying increase from previous years. But as the years progressed, a shift began. By 2023, Baltimore celebrated its lowest homicide rate in eight years, signaling a change in the tide. Between 2017 and 2022, the city also saw declines in violent and property crimes. Much of this transformation is credited to efforts like those led by Chasen Companies, which are not just developing buildings but reviving entire communities.
Brandon Chasen’s journey into real estate development was far from conventional. A self-taught entrepreneur, Chasen began by opening CrossFit gyms and flipping houses. His hands-on approach and thirst for learning shaped his vision of real estate. “Real estate isn’t just about buildings, it’s about creating spaces that empower communities and inspire growth,” he says, a philosophy that would go on to define his company’s projects.
Transforming Neighborhoods and Reviving History
Chasen’s commitment to Baltimore is visible in every project his company undertakes, particularly in the once-struggling neighborhoods of Federal Hill and Fells Point.
Chasen Companies is transforming historical sites into modern living spaces while preserving Baltimore’s architectural charm. One of the most ambitious projects includes the conversion of One Calvert Plaza, Baltimore’s first skyscraper, into a 173-unit luxury apartment complex.
This blend of old and new has become the hallmark of Chasen’s developments—paying homage to the city’s heritage while addressing the needs of today’s residents.
In Fells Point, the company continues to expand, meeting the overwhelming demand for well-designed, amenities-rich apartments.
According to Drew Peace, Chasen’s Chief Business Development Officer, “They are flying off the shelves in Fells Point.” Chasen Companies’ ability to fill vacancies quickly demonstrates their success in creating desirable urban spaces that merge style with practicality, appealing to Baltimore’s growing professional population.
Chasen Companies’ Vision: A Commitment to Community
Led by its philanthropist, grounded CEO, Chasen Companies’ goal has been to cater to community needs and development over everything else. Brandon Chasen has always maintained that true success in real estate is measured by the positive impact on people’s lives.
This ethos is seen in the company’s dedication to affordable housing and improving underprivileged neighborhoods. Chasen’s projects provide more than just new homes; they create job opportunities and inject life into struggling areas, all while boosting the local economy.
Partnering with local organizations and government entities, Chasen Companies is committed to ensuring that its developments contribute meaningfully to the city’s overall well-being.
“True success in real estate is measured not by the deals you close, but by the lives you improve,” Brandon states, reflecting the company’s long-term goal of community development rather than short-term profit.
Looking Beyond Baltimore: Expanding the Vision
As Chasen Companies grows, their success in Baltimore has opened the door to opportunities in other cities. The firm has secured partnerships with reputable companies to extend its urban redevelopment model beyond Baltimore.
Several delayed projects have also recently been completed, with property occupancy rates soaring. Yet, despite its expansion, Chasen Companies’ heart remains in Baltimore. Brandon Chasen feels deeply connected to the city and is determined to continue his mission of urban revitalization.
What sets Chasen apart in the competitive real estate market is his view of the business as a tool for positive social change.
In an industry often driven by profit margins, Brandon Chasen’s approach of putting people first—reviving neighborhoods, creating job opportunities, and preserving history—is setting a new standard for future developers. As Chasen Companies continues to transform Baltimore, its legacy will inspire other developers to think not just about the buildings they create and the profits they make, but the communities they resuscitate and the lives they impact.
