Crescent Hires Conservation-Based Development Expert Don Killoren as Executive Director and General Manager of Palmetto Bluff

CHARLOTTE, NC – Crescent Communities has hired development veteran and devoted conservationist Don Killoren as executive director and general manager of its award-winning Palmetto Bluff community. The property, set among a vast expanse of pristine maritime forest in the South Carolina Lowcountry, is home to one of the world’s top resorts and will soon grow to accommodate additional residents and guests.

“Throughout his distinguished career, Don has assembled exceptional teams and built unique, successful developments on the East Coast,” said Andy Carmody, president of Crescent’s residential group. “His vast experience, environmental sensitivity and team-first approach will be tremendous assets at Palmetto Bluff.”

The Palmetto Bluff residential community and iconic Inn at Palmetto Bluff emphasize the natural beauty of the land; salty marshes, mossy oaks and 32 miles of riverfront property grace 20,000 acres that remain nearly untouched thanks to Crescent’s careful planning and conservation. Rigorous efforts such as the Conservancy at Palmetto Bluff have helped ensure that the area’s vital ecosystem and the spectacular natural beauty of the Cooper, May and New Rivers remain protected. Today, Palmetto Bluff, which has been recognized by Traditional Home, Bon Appetit and others, provides residents and guests with convenient access to recreational activities, dining, shopping and other services despite its unspoiled charm.

The Palmetto Bluff community is on the verge of expansion; Crescent is in the process of developing a second village. Like the existing Wilson Village, where full-time and part-time residents live along mossy, oak-shaded streets and gas-lit walkways, the new village will be shaped by the rivers, islands and maritime forests that make Palmetto Bluff special. The Inn at Palmetto Bluff, a private, luxury spa hotel featuring 50 cottages and cottage suites, is also undergoing a $100 million expansion including construction of a 150–room, five–star hotel, a spa and fitness center, enhanced meeting space, and additional dining options. The Inn has been named by Condé Nast Traveler as the No. 1 resort in the U.S. and the No. 11 resort in the world. Killoren’s considerable experience in community development and conservation-based development and his background as a general contractor make him the right person to lead Palmetto Bluff into an era of responsible growth.

“I am excited to join the Crescent Communities team in its ongoing efforts to preserve a wonderful natural resource while providing one of the best residential and resort experiences on the East Coast,” said Killoren, aFlorida native with more than 30 years of experience in conservation-based development and related fields. “Crescent is a values-driven organization, and it’s easy to see that Palmetto Bluff has been developed at an extremely high level and in an environmentally sensitive way. We’ll preserve that vision as we build for the future.”

Killoren was a founding partner of Celebration Associates in 1997 and remained active in various projects managed by the company until his appointment to lead Palmetto Bluff. Prior to joining Crescent, he served for 14 years as chairman and CEO of Clear Springs Development Company LLC, the firm that developed Baxter Village. Baxter, located in Fort Mill, South Carolina, is a traditional neighborhood development with a YMCA, school, town center and over 1,400 homes. Killoren continues to serve as Clear Springs’ chairman. He also developed the Homestead Preserve, a low-density, high-end resort in Hot Springs, Virginia. This conservation-based community features over 10,000 acres, a large conservation easement and only 450 homes, many of which were built by Killoren as general contractor. Formerly, Killoren was a board member of the Nature Conservancy in Florida as a representative of Walt Disney Imagineering, where he was employed for seven years as vice president and general manager for Disney’s Town of Celebration. Killoren led the planning and development of Disney’s first venture into community development and was responsible for the retail and office components for several of Disney’s Florida properties.

He began his career as an executive in design, development and property management for various firms inGeorgia and Florida. Killoren holds a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University.

“Don’s leadership will be invaluable as we preserve and protect Palmetto Bluff for future generations,” Carmody said.

About Crescent Communities
Founded in 1969 in Charlotte, Crescent Communities is a diversified real estate investment, development and operating company dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for people through sustainable multifamily, residential and commercial communities and responsible land management. Crescent’s portfolio today includes 21 master-planned communities, including its signature Palmetto Bluff, as well as 20 multifamily projects with over 4,500 units under construction/lease-up or in planning/pre-development. The company owns and manages nearly 70,000 acres of land company-wide. www.crescentcommunities.com.