Champion Real Estate Services closed on 656 apartments in Hilliard, Ohio. The apartments are comprised of two intertwining communities, Saddlebrook Apartments and Pinelake Apartments.

For the last three years, Champion has managed more than 400 of the 656 apartments and is not only familiar with these communities, but the Hilliard submarket in general. Champion has multiple economies of scale in Hilliard, with three other apartment communities nearby Bridgestone Apartments, Village Brook Apartments and Hilliard Village Apartments and Townhomes.

“The Hilliard submarket has the lowest vacancy in the entire Columbus Metro area,” Brian Yeager, president and CEO, said. “Our other Hilliard communities are performing remarkably and with our history managing these sites, we saw an opportunity to reposition Saddlebrook and Pinelake in the Hilliard submarket.”

Now that Champion owns and manages all 656 apartments, it plans to rebrand the two complexes into one community, naming it Hilliard Station. The company will also be completing various capital improvement projects, including new siding, new roofs, a new 24-hour fitness center and repaving of the roadways. The interiors of the apartments will see some upgrades as well, receiving new appliances and light fixtures.

“We believe that with an extensive capital renovation plan we will unlock a lot of value for our investors and create a more desirable community for our residents to live. It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” Yeager said.

The city of Hilliard is a thriving, growing community. Hilliard was selected as one of Ohio’s “Best Hometowns” in 2012 by Ohio Magazine. Ohio Magazine chose Hilliard based on six criteria: community spirit, business environment, heritage and culture, education, entertainment and health and safety.

This project is located in a great area and is situated within the top-rated Hilliard City School District. “We buy in Hilliard, because we believe in the community and the city’s commitment to improving the lives of its residents,” Yeager said. “And that is exactly what we plan to do with the new Hilliard Station apartment community.”

About Champion Real Estate Services

Founded in 2010, Champion is a privately-held, fully-integrated, multi-family real estate firm. Champion is family-owned and operated and specializes in investment sales, property management and brokerage services in Central Ohio. Champion currently manages more than 4,000 apartments, with 14 communities in the well-respected neighborhoods of Lewis Center, Delaware, Powell, Hilliard, Grove City, Canal Winchester, Gahanna, Dublin, Westerville and New Albany. Champion has been recognized two years in a row as one of Central Ohio’s fastest growing companies by Columbus Business First’s Fast 50 list, ranking third in 2012 and fifth in 2013.