At Urban Villages, we curate experiences through integrated real estate development and property management ventures unique to each location.
Envision + Create Value
Our dynamic approach to designing and cultivating the next vibrant neighborhood changes the way people think and feel in their surroundings. With meticulous attention to quality, architecture, sustainability, and value creation, we blend the future with forgotten stories that infuse an area with meaning.
Our team is comprised of thought leaders who embrace innovative approaches to residential and office space, retail, hospitality, energy efficiency, and natural ecosystems. Our leadership partners have worked together since 2006.
We scrutinize every detail in a constant effort to make buildings relevant now — and for the next generation. The results? An intentional and holistic approach to nearly $5 billion in real estate developments and transactions. Design elegance, with an emphasis on modern convenience and a biophilic aesthetic. Robust financial investments. Iconic destinations with a certain élan that attracts and engages people. And a sense of timelessness.
grant mccargo
Co-Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Environmental Officer, & Partner
As Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Grant McCargo is responsible for all aspects of company development, from selecting development projects and teams to securing investment partners and defining the company’s vision and goals.
For over 30 years, he has been involved in all forms of property development and ownership, and has successfully completed more than $4 billion worth of transactions as advisor and principal. Grant is committed to place-based neighborhood developments designed and constructed to last for generations.
Grant recently completed a ten-year term on the board of directors of the Colorado chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and considers himself an environmentalist first.
TOM McCARGO
Co-Founder, President, & Partner
Tom McCargo is Co-Founder and President of Urban Villages, where he focuses on the long-term effects of developments on neighborhoods, leads the Asset and Property Management divisions, and provides strategic guidance on all acquisitions and development projects.
He also serves as President of Graham Realty Company, a diverse real estate business based in Pittsburgh whose activities include investment, development, property management, leasing, and ownership.
Inspired by the quality of architecture, materials, scale, and massing, Tom prioritizes fewer well-done projects that improve communities. He served as chair of the Sports & Exhibition Authority in Pittsburgh from 1995 to 2003, and led the design competition and execution of the new David L. Lawrence Convention Center. A graduate of the Entrepreneurial Management Program at Carnegie Mellon University, Tom earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont.
Jeff Hermanson
Partner
As an award-winning developer and place maker, Jeff has directed transformative projects for more than four decades. He served as a principal partner in the restoration of Denver’s Union Station, where he helped shape the standard for the revitalization of historic transit centers around the country.
But he’s probably best known as the longtime owner and steward of Larimer Square, from 1993 to 2020. He fashioned Denver’s most historic and iconic block with innovative retail concepts and chef-driven restaurants, establishing its importance as a cultural institution in Denver. For his accomplishments over 45 years in the restaurant industry, the Colorado Restaurant Association honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, when he was inducted into the Colorado Food Service Hall of Fame.
Jeff’s priorities for the next 10 years include land conservation, food system reform, hunger awareness, the future of workforce housing, and raising his daughter.
STINA KAYSER
General Counsel & Partner
Stina Kayser is a legal counselor, real estate development professional and corporate leader. Her skill in deal structuring, operational oversight, and team-building has been developed through both her legal practice and her experience as a company owner and operator.
As an Urban Villages principal, she participates in all levels of company management and strategic decisions. As general counsel, she oversees the company’s legal activities from each project’s inception to stabilization, including deal structuring with investors and partners.
During her 20-year professional relationship with Grant McCargo, Stina has also served as President of CREW Denver, and on the Board of Directors of the Denver Police Foundation and Wild Seed Project.
WADE RANKIN
Chief Financial Officer & Partner
Wade Rankin’s 30 years of experience includes serving 15 years as CFO for Urban Villages, where he oversees the accounting/finance team. Additionally, Wade was employed for 20 years in public accounting, which included diverse experiences in taxation, auditing, financial management, and consulting, with a concentration with high net- worth individuals and closely-held businesses. His background makes him highly effective as strategic financial leader in the firm.
Earning a BA in economics and political science at the University of Pittsburgh fostered a lifelong passion for learning about historical events and figures. Wade also holds an Advanced Certificate in Accounting from Robert Morris University, is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), and a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). He is an outdoor enthusiast, and particularly enjoys hiking/biking with his three children.
JON BUERGE
Chief Development Officer & Partner
Jon Buerge is the Chief Development Officer at Urban Villages, responsible for new company acquisitions, corporate growth, and strategic positioning of all real estate assets. Previously, Jon oversaw real estate and expansion activities for national restaurant chains as Director of Development and Real Estate for CraftWorks Restaurants & Breweries.
Jon earned a JD and MBA from the University of Colorado, where he served as both student body president and chair of the CU Honor Council. He received his bachelor’s degree in economics and business finance from CU as well. Currently, he’s a voting member of Denver’s Climate Action Task Force. He also serves as Chair of the ULI Building Healthy Places Committee, and is a board member of the Denver Park Trust, the Denver Business Improvement District, the Downtown Denver Partnership, the LoDo District, and the High Performance Buildings Committee, guiding building policies for the City of Denver.
NICK MURRAY
Chief Operating Officer & Partner
As the Chief Operating Officer, Nick brings strategic direction and execution experience to multifaceted real estate development projects and investments.
For nearly 20 years, Nick has held leadership positions in the real estate industry, where he provided management consulting, oversaw property acquisitions strategy, facilitated investment decision making, created master plans for mixed-use projects, secured entitlements, structured acquisitions and JV partnerships, and managed key assets.
Nick has a unique depth of experience navigating complex land use and regulatory environments in Hawaii, California, and Colorado. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Denver, Daniels College of Business.