Identify
Rigorous site selection and early financial analysis to separate genuine opportunity from noise.
- Site selection & analysis
- Financial analysis
- Strategic & vision planning
Real Estate Development & Investment · Des Moines, Iowa
Real estate development. Thoughtfully executed.
We identify opportunities, navigate the complexity of entitlements and approvals, and structure projects that create lasting value — for our partners and for the communities we build in.
01 — The Firm
Development is a web of negotiations, approvals and capital. We bring the regulatory knowledge, incentive strategy and execution partners that turn complex sites into lasting places.
Koester Development is a real estate development and investment firm headquartered in Des Moines. We lead projects from the first site analysis through entitlement, capital structuring and delivery — working alongside the best architecture and construction firms in the industry to provide quality, surety and delivery.
Our approach begins with the community. We pursue sustainable design and strong architecture, and we engage in the economic and civic growth of the neighborhoods where we work — because projects that serve their community are projects that hold their value.
Jonathan R. KoesterFounder · LinkedIn ↗
Leadership
Jonathan R. Koester
Founder, Koester Development
20+Years in development & investment
$1B+Real estate projects underwritten
$3M–$250M+Range of initiatives led
HI → FLMarkets across the United States
With more than 20 years of experience in real estate development and investment, Jonathan Koester has built a career identifying opportunities, structuring complex transactions, and transforming underutilized properties into valuable real estate assets.
As the founder of Koester Development, Jonathan brings extensive expertise in acquisitions, capital formation, development strategy, and construction management. His experience spans a diverse range of asset classes, including multifamily housing, master-planned communities, hospitality, mixed-use developments, commercial real estate, and emerging opportunities in industrial and data center infrastructure.
Throughout his career, Jonathan has led and managed development and investment initiatives ranging from $3 million to more than $250 million, with over $1 billion in real estate projects underwritten. His work extends across the United States, from Hawaii to Florida, reflecting a broad understanding of regional markets, investment fundamentals, and development opportunities.
A central component of Jonathan's approach is his ability to align private investment with public-sector priorities. Through strategic public-private partnerships, creative financing structures, and collaboration with municipal and economic development leaders, he has helped advance projects that generate lasting economic value and strengthen the communities they serve.
Jonathan has also served on multiple economic development boards, contributing his expertise to initiatives focused on business growth, infrastructure investment, housing, and long-term community development.
Combining an entrepreneurial mindset with disciplined financial analysis and hands-on execution, Jonathan approaches every opportunity with a focus on creating sustainable value for investors, partners, and communities.
Our Approach
One accountable partner, from first look to final delivery.
Structure
Diligence, acquisition and incentive strategy that strengthen the economics of the project and the community.
- Due diligence & acquisition
- Economic incentives
- Capital partnerships
Entitle
Deep knowledge of the regulatory landscape to move projects through approvals with clarity and speed.
- Entitlement process
- Regulatory approvals
- Land planning · Survey & mapping
Execute
Disciplined project management with leading design and construction partners through completion.
- Project management
- Design & construction partners
- Delivery & stabilization
02 — Expertise
Four disciplines. A single standard of execution.
03 — Portfolio
Selected projects, shared with partners.
Project details — locations, programs, metrics and documentation — are available to registered investors and capital partners through our secure investor portal.
Investor access
Sign in to view the full portfolio.
Completed, active, proposed and conceptual projects with overviews, key metrics, Koester Development's role and downloadable materials.
Philosophy
“It all starts with building better community. When you genuinely put the community needs first, everything else will follow suit.”— Jonathan R. Koester
Community first
We engage in the economic and civic growth of the neighborhoods where people work, play and stay.
Design that endures
Sustainable design and strong architecture are the foundation of long-term value — not an afterthought.
Surety of delivery
We collaborate with leading construction and architecture firms to provide quality, surety and delivery.
04 — Investment & Partnerships
Aligned partnerships, built for the long term.
We work with partners who share our discipline and our commitment to place. Every relationship is structured around transparency and a clearly defined role.
01
Investors & Capital Partners
Joint venture and co-investment structures for institutional and private capital seeking development exposure.
02Lenders & Financial Institutions
Well-documented projects with clear entitlement status, budgets and execution partners.
03Municipalities & Economic Development
Public–private partnerships, incentive structuring and projects aligned with community goals.
04Landowners & Property Owners
Acquisition, ground-lease or contribution structures to unlock the potential of land and existing assets.
05Commercial Brokers
A responsive, decisive buyer and development partner for sites that fit our focus.
06Development & Operating Partners
Architects, builders and operators who bring specialized capability to complex projects.
05 — Contact
Start a conversation.
Tell us about the site, the opportunity or the partnership you have in mind. We respond to every serious inquiry.
- Office
- 606 Walnut Street, Suite 2310
Des Moines, IA 50309 - Phone
- 515-782-3525