Kacy Keys

Biography: Kacy Keys, founder of Praxis Development Group (www.praxisdevgroup.com), comes to the endeavor with more than two decades of experience in large and complex development projects, with a track record of success. Having been recognized as one of Los Angeles’ most influential women in real estate, Kacy has overseen the development of more than $1B in real estate assets (exclusive of land value) with experience in residential, retail, office and mixed-use product types. Specializing in urban infill, Kacy has a passion for projects that result in a positive impact, with an eye towards simultaneous value creation and neighborhood enhancement. With her multi-disciplinary background as a land use/real estate attorney and developer, she looks at opportunity as “what can be” versus “what is.” Understanding the regulatory and entitlement framework, and seeing opportunity in creative solutions, she brings her business savvy and creativity to everything she does. Prior to forming Praxis Development Group, Keys was Senior Vice President for Seritage Growth Properties, overseeing all development for the company in the Western United States (roughly $800M in real estate and $600M of development). She managed the Los Angeles office on behalf of the company, and also helped to spearhead joint development efforts and strategic initiatives on across the portfolio. Specific and high profile projects for which she was directly responsible include the adaptive reuse of the Sears Santa Monica building; the entitlement of an 18-acre master plan in Redmond, Washington, as well as the negotiation and execution of various joint ventures to implement that vision; and the design and entitlement of University Town Center in San Diego. Prior her role at Seritage, Keys was Head of Development and General Counsel for JH Snyder for over a decade. Keys’ role included sourcing deals, and overseeing due diligence, entitlement, acquisition, financing, disposition, leasing, purchase and sale agreements, asset management, partnership and operating agreements, public/private negotiations, joint venture agreements, commission agreements, and general business operations. Notable projects include The Vermont (264 apartments over 30K sq.ft. of retail); several blocks of transit adjacent development in North Hollywood, California, including retail, multi-family, office and a Laemmle Theater; Bella Terra; West Hollywood Gateway; The Crescent in Beverly Hills; 1601 Vine and 959 Seward in Hollywood; and others. Also having practiced law for several years and worked for the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, Keys brings depth and varied experience to her work. Kacy’s family history in Los Angeles goes back over 100 years. She holds a B.A. in Economics from UC Berkeley, an M.A. in Urban Planning from UCLA, and her J.D. from Boalt Hall/UC Berkeley. Kacy also has a passion for the arts. Having been a dancer since the age of six, Kacy danced professionally, and then formed and ran a non-profit dance collaborative in Los Angeles for ten years, producing workshops and performances in underutilized spaces and locations throughout the City. In addition to dance, Keys recently took up the game of golf, which is quickly becoming her newest challenge and passion. She is the also the proud mother of three children. Keys is an active member of the California Bar in good standing; and a full member of Urban Land Institute.