David Burt is one of the co-founders of Village Green Properties, a metro Atlanta-based development firm that specializes in infill residential and commercial development across the Southeast.
In today’s Four on Friday, we chat with him about his firm, the vital work he’s performed in the revitalization of Hapeville, Ga. (located near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport) and the ongoing appeal of a galaxy far, far away …
HS: Give us a brief overview of Village Green Properties and your responsibilities with the firm.
Burt: Village Green Properties is a commercial and residential development firm specializing in small-scale urban infill projects. My business partner and I left employment with a major real estate development company in 2003 and founded Village Green. My responsibilities include site selection, management of the design process, sales and leasing. Past projects include home renovations, new home construction, townhome construction, and the rehabilitation of historic commercial buildings.
HS: Describe the role that you and your company have played in the ongoing revitalization of Hapeville, Ga.
Burt: I live in Hapeville, and many of our projects have been in this community. We were the first developers to begin working in Hapeville’s Virginia Park neighborhood, and we have been very active in the revitalization of the city’s historic downtown.
HS: What is the most satisfying thing about your job?
Burt: Because I live in the community where we work, I have been able to see people enjoying the buildings and places that we have created. Whether that is one of my neighbors in a new home that we built or a large crowd enjoying one of the restaurants in our downtown buildings, it is always satisfying to feel that our projects have made a difference in people’s lives.
HS: If you could watch only one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Burt: I actually watch a lot of movies, but I’m usually satisfied to see most of them just once. I could, however, probably watch the “Star Wars” movies over and over. I guess they take me back to my youth!