Sembler teams up with Atlanta firm

The Sembler Co. has struck a joint venture to pursue new development and acquisitions throughout the Southeast with Atlanta-based Berkley Development.

Ron Wheeler, the CEO of St. Petersburg-based Sembler, says the new venture will pursue deals that could be markedly different than the grocery-anchored projects Sembler has come to be known for throughout its 50-year history -- including power centers, urban redevelopment or retail that is an element of a larger residential project.

Berkley, founded last year by Lennar Commercial and Cousins Properties veteran Mike Cohn, will focus on deal generation, while Sembler will bring construction, finance, leasing and property management expertise to the venture.