The Team

President, ARK Development

Ed Denning

Ed Denning is the President of ARK Development.

Ed has focused his career on real estate finance and market analytics. He has a passion for using research and data to make informed real estate decisions that give projects and their stakeholders the best chance at sustained success. 

Ed graduated from Davidson College with an Economics Degree and attained his Masters in Accounting from UNC–Chapel Hill. After passing the CPA exam, Ed worked for more than 6 years in public accounting before joining the McDonald’s Corporation for nearly 18 years in roles centered around real estate finance and market analytics. 

In 2019, Ed co-founded L3 Commercial Development where he helped clients achieve long-term goals as more than just a real estate brokerage firm, but also as a part of their clients’ teams. L3 has worked with several national hotel operators/developers over the last 5 years, identifying sites in high growth markets to help build out their inventory for future development. He is excited to be taking the helm as president at ARK Development, which has embarked on a $70 million deal out of the 2024 gate and intends to do $800 million in new construction and acquisition in the next 5 years.

Ed Denning is a Native North Carolinian. He loves BBQ (noun, not a verb), sweet tea, and college hoops (Go Heels!). Interesting Fact about Ed (or ancient history as his kids would say) – he played on the 1992 Final Four Soccer Team at Davidson College.

When not working, Ed enjoys time with his wife Shea, and their three children – Harrison, Charles, and Kate. He also enjoys golf, the beach, and travel. Ed has also spent much of the last 15 years working with the Ronald McDonald House of Durham. He spent nearly 7 years on the Board as the Finance Committee Chair. He continues to work with and support the house by preparing meals for families and attending special events in support of the House.

Development Director

Todd Ewen

Todd Ewen is the Development Director for ARK Development.

Todd’s real estate journey spans nearly 25 years, encompassing commercial lending, underwriting, development, acquisitions, and financial analysis. With a deep understanding of the hospitality sector, Todd has collaborated with leading national brands to expand their portfolios in his home state of North Carolina and points around the country.

Hailing from the Midwest, Todd earned a Master’s in Real Estate and Urban Planning and a Bachelor’s in Finance from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he remains a fervent Badger supporter. His career includes roles at US Bank, Kerr Drug, Self-Help Credit Union, and McDonald’s Corporation before founding L3commercial Development in 2019. And if you’re curious, Todd’s go-to McDonald’s sandwich is the Filet-O-Fish.

A licensed North Carolina (NC) Broker with a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation, Todd’s expertise is well-recognized, and he serves as a mentor to young industry professionals. Outside the realm of real estate, Todd enjoys adjusting to empty nest life with his wife, traveling with their two sons, cooking, and watching movies. He has contributed to The Green Chair Project’s Development Team, mentors UW-Madison Real Estate students, and is a regular volunteer at Oak City Cares.

Todd’s passion for real estate is fueled by his belief in its pervasive impact on daily life, shaping communities and individuals alike.

Development Analyst

Walter Maready

Born, raised, and currently living on the coast of North Carolina, Walter started his career in hospitality right out of college. After graduating from High Point University in 2020, he immediately moved to Gainesville, Florida to become the assistant general manager of a Comfort Suites. Not long after, Walter joined the hotel’s management company in Ocala as a financial analyst. However, North Carolina was calling him back home. 

Once ARK launched nationwide with an office in North Carolina nonetheless, Walter joined the team again. Walter continues to prospect, analyze, and underwrite multiple hotel deals that provide growth opportunities.

In Walter’s free time, you could find him on a sandbar or -at the golf course. He also enjoys listening to local live music with his fiancée, Sarah, and their two dogs, Penny and Dex.