JEREMY STEPHENSON

Managing Partner

Jeremy founded 1820 with a focus on the development and redevelopment of urban real estate in Indianapolis. He set out to create a new company that models real estate as an industry that inspires people, supports innovation, maintains sound investment practices, and impacts place through inclusion.

Having built previous companies and developments throughout the country, Jeremy is now committed to seeing 1820 carry out this same vision in his own hometown. Jeremy has developed and owned multi-family, hotel, and office projects totaling over $2 billion. Prior to founding 1820, Jeremy was a partner in and President of Milhaus Development and Milhaus Construction where he took the urban infill focused, multi-family mixed use company from a startup to a nationally recognized developer and owner of 5,000 multi-family units and over 200,000 square feet of commercial in 9 urban markets. He also co-founded Onyx + East, an urban infill developer of townhomes and condos in Indianapolis and Tampa. 

Prior to Milhaus, Jeremy led the development of over $950 million of hotel, office, and residential developments in Austin, Phoenix, South Florida and Indianapolis as Executive Vice President for REI Investments.

A graduate of the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and proud undergrad and MBA alum of Butler University, Jeremy has been a longtime leader in several local and national nonprofits focused on smart real estate growth, education, faith, and racial equity. 

In his free time, you can find him trying to keep up with his wife and three kids, running and biking the neighborhood, or stopping by their favorite local restaurants and parks. 

MICHAEL TAFT

Development Director

Michael is responsible for leading day-to-day project management across 1820’s portfolio. He brings a strong understanding of real estate fundamentals paired with a wide background in urban economics and community development.

Prior to 1820, Michael managed the development of over 1,000 multifamily units (a mix of market rate, workforce, and affordable housing) and over 100,000sf of office and retail. He holds a Masters in Real Estate Development from the University of Indianapolis and Bachelors in Economics and History from Covenant College.

Michael is fundamentally driven by his desire to see local communities thrive. He loves understanding the needs of an area and responding with development and placemaking strategies that have sound economics and thoughtful design. In his free time he likes to keep tabs on art galleries, infrastructure projects, and local history.