Our History
Decades of history, building the future
With roots in Texas development dating back to the 1960s, we blend decades of experience with a forward-looking commitment to building what tomorrow’s communities need.
.png)
Our History
1960's
After graduating from SMU, where he was captain of the basketball team, and serving in the military, Arthur Z. Barnes joins former Mayor of Dallas, Robert S. Folsom, as the president of Folsom Investments. The team begins developing real estate - multifamily, office, country clubs, and more - all over Texas.
1980's
After a great career with Folsom Investments, Art started his own company, Barnes Companies, and shortly thereafter, was joined by his sons, Jeff (1984) and Stephen (1988). The family made a good working team and were incredible productive during the early years - making their foray into Housing Tax Credit acquisition and development, managing more than a million of square feet of office, and venturing into residential management.
.jpg)
2000's
2000 - After building a property management company to several thousand of units, Barnes Real Estate Services merged with Mike Clark and Alpha Management to form Alpha Barnes Real Estate Services at the turn of the century. Starting with 7,500 units, Alpha Barnes would grow into one of the largest affordable housing managers in the country.
2007 to 2010 - Stephen ventured further into land investing for future apartment development, accumulating several hundred acres across sites in Dallas, Grand Prairie, and Haltom City.
2007 to 2010 - Stephen ventured further into land investing for future apartment development, accumulating several hundred acres across sites in Dallas, Grand Prairie, and Haltom City.
2020's
2020 - The management company was successfully sold.
2021 to 2025 - Stephen continues to acquire land across the metroplex including sites for development in Mansfield, Grand Prairie, and additional sites in Haltom City.
2021 to 2025 - Stephen continues to acquire land across the metroplex including sites for development in Mansfield, Grand Prairie, and additional sites in Haltom City.
.jpg)
.jpg)
1970's
With a passion for sport and the appetite to expand capabilities, Art and Mr. Folsom begin master planning golf course-focused residential developments. The pair build multiple clubs including Bent Tree Country Club in far North Dallas and Glen Eagles Country Club in Plano.
.jpg)
1990's
1991 - After partnering to form Dal Mac Barnes Construction Company, Stephen built his first ground up apartment project for Todd Farrell (Todd's first of more than 150+ developments).
1992 - Stephen and team began the Texas Housing Opportunity Fund to buy, rehab, and operate affordable housing in Texas. The fund supported 7 projects that the team successfully oversaw.
1995 - The Barnes' begin officially marketing residential property management as a service.
1992 - Stephen and team began the Texas Housing Opportunity Fund to buy, rehab, and operate affordable housing in Texas. The fund supported 7 projects that the team successfully oversaw.
1995 - The Barnes' begin officially marketing residential property management as a service.
.png)
2010's
2014 - While the company had long-standing expertise in acquiring, developing, and managing affordable communities, its development team first utilized HUD’s 221(d)(4) program to build The Enclave at Mira Lagos. This financing structure, designed for long-term, mission-aligned developers, enables the creation of high-quality housing with lasting value. Following the success of that project, the team went on to deliver multiple additional developments through the HUD 221(d)(4) platform.
2016 - Stephen and John Gold, who joined the company a year earlier, join the board of Operation Relief Center, a non-profit that owns and oversees the operation of 8 affordable housing communities comprising nearly 1,000 units.
2017 - Hugh Cobb joined the management company as a new partner and Head of Business Development. Over the next 3 years, the company nearly doubled units under stewardship - a testament to the great partnership and culture of the firm.
2016 - Stephen and John Gold, who joined the company a year earlier, join the board of Operation Relief Center, a non-profit that owns and oversees the operation of 8 affordable housing communities comprising nearly 1,000 units.
2017 - Hugh Cobb joined the management company as a new partner and Head of Business Development. Over the next 3 years, the company nearly doubled units under stewardship - a testament to the great partnership and culture of the firm.
.jpg)
2026
With a passion for serving people by providing fantastic housing developments and consistent management, Stephen and John started Barnes Gold Partners.
