After twelve years of leading large mixed-use projects across the country, Dan Whalen has founded places, a real estate development and investment firm dedicated to creating vibrant and memorable settings where people live and thrive. Here, he aims to establish a national presence with a portfolio of differentiated multifamily, mixed-use, and hospitality driven properties.

At places, our approach is hands on, engaging and collaborative with the communities in which we build, demonstrating that thoughtful, high-quality design and placemaking not only enhance neighborhoods and cities, but also deliver substantial returns to our investors.

Throughout his career, Dan has been at the helm of nearly $1 billion worth of development projects and acquisitions. Most recently he spent six years leading all aspects of development for Harbor Bay Ventures, where he was the driving force behind INTRO Cleveland, a $150 million multifamily mass timber project known for its groundbreaking innovative design and exceptional market performance. The project achieved record-setting leasing velocity and rental rates and put both Dan and the Company on the leading edge of Mass Timber development nationally. There, he also founded Harbor Bay Hospitality—a dynamic, design-forward restaurant, coffee, and event management company—which launched four award-winning concepts and venues in 2022.

Before Harbor Bay, Dan was Director of Development for Starwood Retail Partners, and prior to that a Development Associate at Snavely Group.

During his collegiate career Dan was a highly celebrated first team All-American quarterback, and still holds numerous records at Case Western Reserve University, where he earned both his bachelor's degree and MBA. After spending eight years in Chicago, he now resides in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife, Jillian and their dog, Ash.