Who We Are

Our Story

  • Whether as a partner, sponsor, or advisor, SDG brings a sophisticated owner’s perspective and transforms visionary ideas into tangible results, ensuring projects are buildable, transactable, investable, and financeable.

    We thrive on tackling complex real estate challenges and transforming them into successful, value-driven outcomes. Every project has its unique "DNA" of variables, risks, and opportunities – we work with best-in-class partners to unlock that potential. 

    We have a deep commitment to civic and policy leadership, a belief in creating economic and community value through real estate and have built a track record of success through integrity, collaboration and creative problem solving.

Jack Sylvan, the founder and managing principal of SDG, is a recognized leader in urban development with over 30 years of experience delivering complex, award-winning and transformative projects such as Pier 70, 5M and Stonestown Galleria.  Jack has held senior management positions with Brookfield Properties and Forest City Realty Trust. Prior to these roles, Jack spent eight years in the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Economic Development.

Jack serves on the Policy Advisory Board for the Fisher Center for Real Estate at UC Berkeley, the ULI Commercial Council Leadership Committee and the Board of Directors of SPUR. He holds a Master’s from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor’s from UC Davis.  Jack’s diverse background includes receiving national recognition for his research on the economic impact of sports franchises in California and receiving a Fulbright Fellowship to study the impact of the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympics.  He lives in Oakland with his wife and two daughters.