Skip to main content
Truck

About Childress Klein

Childress Klein develops, owns, leases and manages commercial real estate across Charlotte and the Southeast, building on more than 57 million square feet of development since 1988.

Who We Are

Childress Klein is one of the largest privately owned commercial real estate companies in the Southeast. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, since 1988 and guided by the values of our founders, Don Childress and Fred Klein, we develop, own, lease and manage industrial, office, retail, multifamily, mixed-use and self-storage properties.

We own more than $3.5 billion in assets across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee and bring more than 57 million square feet of development experience to every project. We serve clients from offices in Charlotte and Atlanta, and our landmark projects include Duke Energy Plaza, One Wells Fargo Center, LakePointe Corporate Center, NorthPark Business Park and Waverly.

We keep every service in-house, including development, acquisitions, agency leasing, tenant representation, property management, project management, parking management and building receiverships, so our clients work with one team from site selection through long-term ownership. Our 125+ employees bring deep local market knowledge and a hands-on approach to every project, and we keep client needs at the center of everything we do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Childress Klein is a full-service commercial real estate company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. We develop, own, lease and manage industrial, office, retail, multifamily, mixed-use and self-storage properties across the Southeast. Our services include development, acquisitions, agency leasing, tenant and buyer representation, property management, project management, parking management and court-appointed building receiverships.

Childress Klein is one of the largest privately owned, full-service real estate companies in the Southeast. We bring more than 57 million square feet of development experience, own more than $3.5 billion in assets and earned the top spot on the Charlotte Business Journal's list of Charlotte's largest commercial real estate developers.

Don Childress and Fred Klein, who first worked together at Trammell Crow in 1974, founded Childress Klein in 1988. The company started with 6 million square feet of commercial property, including One Wells Fargo Center and LakePointe in Charlotte, and continues to grow from its Charlotte headquarters today.

Childress Klein operates from its Charlotte, NC, headquarters and works throughout the Southeast, including Charlotte, Raleigh and Wilmington, NC; Charleston, Fort Mill and Greenville, SC; Atlanta, GA; and Nashville, TN.

Our headquarters is at 301 South College Street, Suite 2800, Charlotte, NC 28202. Call (704) 342-9000 or email charlotte@childressklein.com.

Our goal is to be one of the most focused, thoughtful and dynamic developers in the area. We will maintain a hands-on approach to the market so we can respond quickly to fast-breaking opportunities.
– Fred W. Klein

Our Values


People First, Always

At Childress Klein, we’re passionate about more than just developing high-quality, profitable real estate and providing outstanding property management and leasing services. Our greatest asset is our people, and we are committed to offering challenging and rewarding careers that foster both personal and professional growth. 


 

Building with Purpose

We genuinely believe in the importance of the impact our developments have on the cities we call home. We take pride in selecting projects that not only enhance our communities but also contribute to their quality growth. Each space we create reflects our commitment to building a brighter future for everyone who lives and works here.


 

Creating Value Together

We believe that our tenants are our most cherished partners. Building lasting, meaningful relationships is at the heart of what we do. We understand that earning your trust requires dedication and a commitment to going above and beyond the standard services in our industry. We strive to create an environment where you feel valued and supported, because your success is our success.


 

Performance Driven Success

We champion meritocracy, where performance is the true measure of success, not tenure or background. We are committed to promoting from within, recognizing and rewarding individual competency and achievement. At Childress Klein, we empower our team members to thrive and grow based on their contributions and talents.


 

Giving Back Together

At Childress Klein, we truly value the dignity and worth of every employee. We believe work should be both fun and rewarding, creating a space where everyone can thrive. We encourage our team to take pride in their contributions and to give back to the community that supports us, whether through financial support or volunteering for local charities and initiatives. 


 

Innovation with Integrity

We actively pursue long-term, meaningful financial relationships with our lenders and partners, fully embracing our fiduciary responsibilities with integrity and diligence. Our success is built on innovation and the courage to take bold steps in developing new projects. At the same time, we prioritize conservative financing strategies to ensure maximum protection for our lenders, employees, and partners.


 

125+
Employees Across the Southeast
38 yrs
of operations since 1988
$3.5B+
in owned assets
Sustainability

Sustainability

No matter the project or location, we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our projects and operations. Our teams work closely with our clients to embody the best environmental design practices, including utilizing the latest technology and creating innovative and tailored solutions that work for their organization.
Culture & Community

Culture & Community

Want to make a difference? So do we. At Childress Klein we push each other to be better, support one another through challenges, and seek to make a difference wherever people work, live, and play. We encourage and empower every employee to give back to our communities by devoting their time and talents.
CK History

Our History

Since our inception in 1988, we’ve grown to manage a portfolio worth over $3.5 billion, spanning North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee from our offices in Charlotte and Atlanta. Our legacy is built on more than 100 years of combined expertise among our partners, overseeing the evolution of more than 57 million square feet of diverse commercial spaces — from office buildings and bustling shopping centers to innovative mixed-use developments and expansive industrial facilities.