VHB partners with real estate clients to create and reimagine great places and spaces that maximize value and respond to rapid change. To meet the challenges facing our communities, VHB is excited to announce John Classe, PE, as Corporate Real Estate Market Leader, responsible for prioritizing, developing, and implementing a strategic framework for Real Estate Market growth across VHB’s footprint.
John joined VHB in September 2023 as Southeast Regional Development Manager. He follows in the footsteps of Steve Thomas, who is retiring this year as VHB Corporate Real Estate Market Leader after a 30+ year legacy of leadership marked by significant contributions, touching virtually every real estate trend since 1993.
“I am confident that John has the experience and insight to continue strengthening our Real Estate Market and support our commitment to clients and communities. It’s an exciting time as we continue to innovate and grow,” said Mike McArdle, VHB Chief Development Officer.
John brings a wealth of site selection and real estate development experience and more than 25 years of experience leading interdisciplinary teams in governmental affairs, financial management, land acquisition, and mixed-use master planning. Most recently, John served as CEO and District Administrator to the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (former Reedy Creek Improvement District). Additionally, as Vice President of Residential at Crescent Communities, John led and managed master-planned community development operations throughout Florida. One of John’s signature achievements was collaborating on the redevelopment of Orlando Naval Training Center into Baldwin Park, a mixed-use master-planned New Urbanist community.
“I am thrilled to be leading the VHB Real Estate Market and collaborating with our integrated teams that are helping clients solve problems with technological innovation and insight,” said John. “It’s a time to be bold and respond to opportunities that will make our communities more vibrant, more sustainable, and more resilient.”
VHB collaborates with real estate clients on a wide array of projects, from asset repositioning on industrial sites to providing insight on healthy community design of mixed-use developments. The company thrives when land use, transportation, infrastructure, technology, and the natural environment intersect.
Current projects include the Arverne East development and City of Yes in New York, Parcel 12 in Massachusetts, Sauer Center in Virginia, Hartford Logistics & Technology Park in Connecticut, and Wellness Way in Florida.
Learn more about how VHB partners with developers, economic development agencies, corporations, investors, and architects to bring real estate projects to life.