Gary in 2014
Gary DeShano purchased his first apartment project when he was just 19 years old. He went on to start DeShano Construction in 1966. Just three years later in 1969, Gary founded DeShano Development and has been at the forefront of the local development landscape ever since. Gary’s son Chad purchased the construction company in 2007 giving Gary more time to devote towards the development aspects of the business.
In its 50 plus years of existence, DeShano Development has created over 2,000 apartment units (many of which were developed through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority tax credit program), over 30 assisted living facilities, and countless other projects such as office buildings, residential subdivisions, and condominium projects. DeShano Development also maintains a portfolio of single-family rental homes and holds leases with the United States Department of Agriculture as well as other agencies for over a dozen different office buildings.
First home built. Circa 1966.
Over the years, Gary created a network of vertically integrated companies giving him the ability to develop each project in the most efficient way possible. DeShano Development heads the development of each project with DeShano Companies Inc. acting as the general contractor. King Lumber & Supply supplies many of the materials while GLD Management ends up as the property management company for many of the office and multi-family projects once they are completed. Each company is still family-owned and operated.