Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Retail Real Estate Solutions
Desco Group is a vertically integrated retail real estate operating company dedicated to developing potential and enhancing communities. With over 40 properties across four states, we specialize in neighborhood and grocery-anchored shopping centers, combining expertise in acquisitions, asset management, property management, leasing, development, and construction. Our team leverages decades of experience to renovate, re-lease, and reposition centers, prioritizing community needs and modern consumer demands. Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, we manage $600+ million in assets and maintain partnerships with institutions, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals. Our core purpose centers on creating value through strategic investments and fostering connections within the communities we serve.Through a focus on well-located, adaptable properties, we aim to future-proof retail spaces while delivering reliable returns for stakeholders. Our in-house legal, finance, and accounting teams ensure seamless operations, and our commitment to integrity guides every transaction. With 3.8+ million square feet of gross leasable area, we continue to expand our portfolio through core-plus, value-add, and distressed opportunities in Midwest and Sunbelt markets. Our leadership team brings deep industry knowledge, overseeing 400+ tenants and driving innovation in retail real estate. By aligning creativity with expertise, we strive to transform underutilized spaces into thriving community hubs.
Services
Retail Development
Property Management
Acquisitions
Leasing Services
Construction Management
Asset Management
Investment Partnerships
Community Enhancement
Tenant Relations
Portfolio Expansion
Highlights and features
- We specialize in neighborhood retail real estate with 40+ properties under management.
- Our vertically integrated team offers expertise across acquisitions, leasing, and construction.
- We focus on community-centric redevelopment in high-growth Midwest and Sunbelt markets.
- Our $600M+ asset portfolio demonstrates proven success in value-add investments.
- We maintain long-term partnerships with institutional investors and family offices.
Services
Retail Development
We specialize in developing and repositioning neighborhood and grocery-anchored shopping centers. Our approach combines market insights with community needs to create vibrant retail spaces. Services include site selection, zoning, design, and construction oversight for both new developments and property upgrades.
Property Management
Our comprehensive property management services cover leasing, tenant relations, maintenance, and financial reporting. With 3.8+ million square feet under management, we ensure optimal performance through proactive operations and tailored marketing strategies for each location.
Acquisitions
We identify and execute strategic acquisitions of core-plus, value-add, and distressed neighborhood retail properties. Our team conducts thorough due diligence, leveraging market expertise to secure assets aligned with long-term investment goals in targeted regions.
Leasing Services
Our leasing experts specialize in attracting and retaining quality tenants for retail spaces. We offer market analysis, lease negotiation, and promotional strategies to maximize occupancy rates and ensure sustainable tenant mixes in diverse community settings.
Construction Management
We oversee all aspects of construction and renovation projects, from planning to completion. Our team ensures timely execution, budget adherence, and quality control while implementing modern design elements that enhance property value and tenant satisfaction.
People
Melissa Setser
President & CEO
Melissa Setser leads Desco Group as President & CEO, driving strategic vision and operational excellence. With extensive experience in retail real estate, she oversees all corporate activities and community engagement initiatives from the St. Louis headquarters.
Mark Schnuck
Chairman
Mark Schnuck serves as Chairman of Desco Group, providing leadership guidance and industry expertise. His strategic oversight helps shape the company's direction in real estate investments and community development projects across multiple markets.
Jill Duchinsky
Sr. Vice President, Accounting & Finance
Jill Duchinsky manages financial operations as Sr. Vice President of Accounting & Finance. She oversees $600M+ in assets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and accurate reporting for the company's 40+ property portfolio.
Franklin Sears
Sr. Vice President, Development
Franklin Sears leads development efforts, focusing on design and construction of retail properties. With expertise in adaptive reuse, he directs projects that transform underutilized spaces into thriving community hubs across Midwest and Sunbelt regions.
Bradley Taylor
Director of Leasing
Bradley Taylor manages leasing operations, attracting quality tenants to DESCO properties. His team maintains 400+ tenant relationships, implementing strategies that maximize occupancy rates and create sustainable retail environments in neighborhood centers.
Questions
What types of properties does The DESCO Group specialize in?
We focus on neighborhood and grocery-anchored shopping centers, specializing in redevelopment and management of retail properties across the Midwest and Sunbelt regions.
How does The DESCO Group approach community development?
Our core purpose centers on enhancing communities through strategic investments that create value while addressing local consumer needs and fostering connections.
What markets does The DESCO Group operate in?
We actively invest in Midwest and Sunbelt markets, currently managing properties in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin with expansion opportunities under evaluation.
How can I submit a property for consideration?
Contact our acquisitions team through the website to discuss potential investment opportunities or submit property details for evaluation.
What services does The DESCO Group offer tenants?
We provide comprehensive leasing support, property management, maintenance services, and marketing assistance to ensure tenant success in our 40+ retail locations.
