(openPR) - Burkely Communities, a long-term owner-operator of premier apartment communities, and Emerson Management, a full-service real estate firm with expertise in multi-family, student housing and commercial properties associated with Emerson Group, jointly announce the merger of their two firms effective immediately. Together, the new business will operate as Burkely Communities. Executives anticipate post-merger operations will include 2,200 units in the Triad market with an additional 800 area units to be added in the near-term.

Sterling Kelly, currently president of Burkely Communities, will serve as chief executive officer and oversee the asset and property management side of the business. Jay Robinson, currently managing partner for Emerson Group, will serve as president and chief financial officer for Burkely with leading responsibility for the acquisition and development side of the business. The combined firm will be headquartered at 819 North Elm Street in Greensboro and include 45 employees.

According to Sterling Kelly, “The merger of Burkely Communities and Emerson Management is a great fit, reflecting our shared vision, complementary long-range goals, and the strategic alignment of our two businesses.”

”Emerson’s strong suit has been the acquisition and management of residential real estate, particularly for student housing and single family homes. Burkely excels in developing and marketing great apartment communities, having earned the National Apartment Association’s PARAGON Award in 2004 for Lincoln Green and in 2009 for Westborough as national models of excellence,” added Jay Robinson. Both firms have real estate expertise across the Southeast with particularly strong ties to the Triad region of North Carolina.

“This merger reflects our likeminded long-term interest in building and managing a profitable portfolio of standout apartment communities,” commented Kelly. “It gives us a deep and experienced team of professionals, who are committed to creating long-term value for all our stakeholders and contributing positively to the communities where we do business.”

About Burkely Communities

Headquartered in Greensboro, NC, Burkely Communities, which represents the merger of Emerson Management and Burkely Communities, is a full-service property development and management firm dedicated to quality construction and superior living experiences. The firm has expertise in apartment communities, student housing, commercial, and single-family properties.

Burkely Communities (formerly Burkely Communities and Emerson Management), 819 North Elm Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
PR Contact: Holly Stewart, Holly D. Stewart and Associates, LLC, hollydstewart@earthlink.net or 336.558.9696