The Gathering at South Forsyth Development Team
Vernon Krause, President & CEO, Krause Auto Group - Owner
Vernon Krause and his family own and manage the Krause Auto Group. Since 1991, the Krause Auto Group has proudly served communities throughout the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida. As a family-owned and operated collection of dealerships, they go above and beyond for their customers.
Edward Dovin, Dovin Ficken LLC – Legal Counsel
Ed Dovin is working on behalf of Vernon Krause on legal matters concerning The Gathering at South Forsyth.
Frank Ferrara — Senior Project Executive
Frank Ferrara is the senior project executive overseeing the development of The Gathering at South Forsyth. Previously, he was the CFO and Senior Associate Athletic Director for the ASU Sun Devil Athletics. He also served as the department liaison to manage ASU’s 330-acre mixed-use Novus Innovation Corridor and administered ASU's Men's Ice Hockey program. Ferrara led ASU’s effort to select the developer and builder, architect and arena operator for its new world-class, 5,000 seat, on-campus Mullett Arena and adjoining Mountain America Community Iceplex, and helped manage the successful integration of an NHL tenant into Mullett Arena programming. Prior to joining ASU, Ferrara worked at the National Football League (NFL) for 20 years becoming NFL Finance Director.
Denis Braham, Greenberg Traurig – Shareholder
Denis Braham will handle all legal matters relating to business transactions concerning The Gathering at South Forsyth. Denis Braham’s real estate practice involves representation of virtually all segments of the real estate industry. He represents real estate developers, lending institutions, landlords, and tenants in lease transactions and large commercial, industrial, residential, and mixed-use transactions. He also handles the acquisition, financing, construction, development, leasing, syndication, sale/leaseback, management, and operations of a wide variety of properties including mixed-use community projects with public entertainment venues.
Carl Hirsh, Managing Partner, Stafford Sports, Inc. – Owner’s Representative
Carl Hirsh is working on behalf of Vernon Krause to oversee The Gathering at South Forsyth development team. Stafford Sports represents the interests of public and private sector clients for the development of multipurpose facilities. Stafford has served as Owner’s Representatives for major sports and entertainment projects including Moody Center in Austin, Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle and Mullett Arena in Tempe.
Lamar Wakefield, Principal, Nelson – National Practice Leader Mixed Use, Land Planner
NELSON Worldwide is an award-winning firm delivering architecture, interior design, graphic design and brand strategy services that transform all dimensions of the human experience, by providing clients with strategic and creative solutions that positively impact their lives and the environments where they work, serve, play and thrive. Lamar Wakefield was the architect behind The Battery Atlanta and Avalon in Alpharetta.
David Demarest, International Director, JLL – Mixed-Use Development Advisor
David Demarest leads JLL’s U.S. Sports and Entertainment Development Advisory Practice group. He represents major league sports teams on projects across the U.S. including local projects with The Atlanta Braves at The Battery Atlanta, and The Studios at Assembly in Doraville. JLL helps clients buy, build, occupy and invest in a variety of assets including commercial, office, retail, residential and hotel real estate.
Tone Frisina – Partner – SCI Architects – Arena Architects
SCI Architects specializes in the design of multi-use sports and entertainment arenas. Their landmark designs have enriched the live entertainment experience for athletes, performers and fans alike. The firm leads by example, reinventing premium seating, enhancing performer environments and defining a new standard for 21st-century arenas. Their portfolio is comprised of marquee buildings including the transformation of Madison Square Garden, The Forum, Wells Fargo Center, TD Garden, and most recently, CFG Bank Arena. With this expertise and insight, Tone is committed to creating a lasting legacy of excellence, innovation and inspiration in South Forsyth through the design of this world-class venue.