Gardner, Alfandres Launch New For-Sale Development Firm

Two well-known local development companies announced on Tuesday that they had partnered on a new venture that seeks to build more for-sale options across all housing types. Kensington Home Company will target infill urban locations throughout the population centers across Utah and Idaho, specifically the Wasatch Front, St. George and Boise. The new venture is a combination of The Gardner Group and Urban Alfandre, pairing an old-guard firm with the newer company that has largely focused on attached residential development in urban areas. Gardner is an established commercial real estate developer based in Salt Lake City known for its work developing tens of millions of square feet across all property types. Led by brothers James and Stephen Alfandre, Urban Alfandre has brought a mix of for-sale and rental housing developments to the region and sought to raise the design standard of development in the process. 'By combining The Gardner Group's immense institutional strength with Urban Alfandre's design-forward approach, The Kensington Home Company is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional neighborhoods while completely transforming the homebuying journey,' Kensington CEO Stephen Alfandre said in a statement. The Alfandres have added an ongoing, invite-only event known as powderland, which has sought to pair professionals who are also interested in raising the standard of design across Utah and in their own respective markets. Together, Kensington Home Company says that it will keep a regional focus on its key geographic markets. It is already underway with a handful of new developments and plans to focus on brownstones, townhomes, single-family residences, urban starter-homes and luxury high-rise condos, aiming to serve residents in all stages of life. It has committed to creating timeless, architecturally striking residential designs 'that seamlessly complement vibrant, walkable neighborhoods for diverse buyer demographics.' Kensington will keep its brokerage operations in-house, and it shared a pledge 'to eliminate the friction, opacity, and frustration traditionally associated with purchasing a home.' The company is already underway with five separate projects, two in Salt Lake City, and one each in Millcreek, Boise and Washington. Construction is well underway on a project known as Matson Hill, which will deliver 20 high-end townhomes near the intersection of 900 East 400 South on the hill leading to the University of Utah. A second townhome project, known as Brookline, will bring 18 new units to 1265 E. Villa Vista Ave in Millcreek. The project in Boise is along the Boise River Greenbelt, a popular recreational and commuter trail. That is expected to have 67 townhomes once built. A fourth project, Park Row, will sit directly across from Row 17, one of Urban Alfandre's first projects in Salt Lake City. Park Row will have approximately 27 for-sale townhomes, including start-home pricing, Stephen Alfandre said. The remaining project, Solente in Washington, is still in planning, but the company said that it would build walkable, design-led communities in infill areas. 'Our communities need high-quality homeownership opportunities for people at every stage of life—from young professionals and growing families to active empty nesters,' said Christian Gardner, CEO and Chairman of The Gardner Group. 'Creating accessible pathways to homeownership in vibrant, well-planned neighborhoods is essential for the long-term strength, stability, and generational legacy of our region.' Email Taylor Anderson