About Us

At Keystone Development Services

We offer flexible development programs to fit the needs of each and every client, large or small. With extensive real estate development experience throughout Atlanta and across the Southeast, the professionals at KDS have a proven understanding that successful projects start with superior site selection.

At every turn on every project, KDS is committed to providing exceptional customer service and proactive communication. Clients of KDS have a single source of contact and accountability to ensure that key objectives are met and projects are successfully delivered on budget and on time.

KDS Intro
Development Program

We provide a range of services

Due to the rapidly changing world of real estate and the increasingly complex process of developing real estate projects, KDS is capable of assisting its clients, investors and joint venture partners through the challenges of protecting their assets and producing quality projects. We provide a range of services, or an 'al a carte' approach in a fully transparent manner.

  • Define scope of project, goals and objectives of client
  • Develop knowledge of proposed use and specifics of clients criteria
  • Leverage expertise to provide analysis and solutions to meet the clients goals
  • Survey of the market area
  • Development of the strategic plan for potential areas/ locations within the market area
  • Management of a professional broker network charged with identifying potential locations
  • Review of potential locations for viability ( anticipated total project cost and projected proforma, zoning, site planning, value engineering and ability of project to meet return objectives)
  • Presentation of acceptable locations and alternates to the client
  • Initial site feasibility review for insight into potential development obstacles
  • Investigation of comparable land sales, history and motivation of seller
  • Contract (or lease) and negotiations providing for the necessary timeframes to resolve zoning, variance, development and entitlement issues
  • Contract management and negotiation of closings to provide for post closing obligations of seller
  • Conduct in depth feasibility studies
  • Preparation of preliminary site plan based upon information gathered during the site Feasibility study
  • Engage and manage qualified surveyors, engineers, attorneys, land planners and other design professionals
  • Representation in all public hearings and interaction with governmental agencies and utility service providers
  • Provide quality control and value engineering throughout the design/development process
  • Coordinate and obtain the necessary permits for development and construction of the project
  • Technical analysis of surveys, existing conditions, environmental and geotechnical information, zoning and governmental regulations
  • Utilize design principles specific to the client's use
  • Create constructable, cost effective design plans while satisfying governmental requirements
  • Facilitate project development in a fully transparent process
  • Manage each step of the process to achieve cost savings and schedule enhancement
  • Plan and manage the project budget and due diligence process
  • Proforma Analysis
  • Governmental coordination (local, state and federal)
  • Coordinate Lender requirements (if third-party financing is utilized)
  • Administration of the Bid Process
  • Negotiation of the Construction Contract with selected Contractor
  • Periodic site visits for quality control, schedule compliance and change order management
  • Coordinate, review and approve payment applications
  • Engage, manage qualified third party testing professionals for independent verification and construction specifications
  • Obtain the Certificate of Occupancy
  • Prepare punch list and manage completion of noted issues
  • Provide final inspections and provide client with Project Close-out Package, including plans, as-builts and warranty info.

CORE VALUES

  • Make It Happen
  • Exceed the Expectations of Our Clients
  • Conduct Ourselves in the Highest Ethical Manner in all Relationships
  • Continuously seek improvement in Ourselves, Our Services & the Value We provide for Our Clients
Founding Partner of Keystone Development Services

Thomas A. Wells:

KDS was founded in 2005

35+ Years of experience

As a Principal and Founding Partner of Keystone Development Services, Thomas' emphasis in real estate has encompassed all phases of commercial and residential development. His specialties include site selection, pre-development feasibility, contract negotiation, project development and construction management.

Thomas has developed over 60 retail, industrial and residential projects in southeast where he has honed his problem solving skills and gained extensive familiarity with every facet of development. After graduating from Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Civil Engineering he practiced for three years with a civil consulting firm. Thomas then joined the Store Development Department for QuikTrip Corporation spending 16 years participating in all aspects of new store/major project development and construction.

Thomas