Williamson County Impact Awards-Development: Alex Marks

By Jim Stinson - Nashville Business Journal
November 9, 2007

Williamson County Impact Awards - Development

Alex Marks

Alex Marks believes so much in Williamson County, he moved there even though his company headquarters stayed in California.

Marks is senior vice president of Tower Investments, LLC, based in Woodland, CA.

Marks, a Franklin resident, has helped his family business leave a noticeable mark on Williamson County by developing three equestrian communities in Leipers Fork, a total of 75 homes on 1,021 acres.

Since moving to Williamson County in 2006 from Woodland, Marks says the quality of life and the friends he made inspired him to establish his home in Franklin.

"It's about friendship versus social status," says Marks, a graduate of the University of Southern California.

Russell Looney, general partner of Green Investors LLC, is building his personal home and a speculative home in 40-unit Beechwood Plantation, part of Leipers Fork.

Looney says Marks has Leipers Fork's environment and distinct history.

"He tried to be conscious of the environment," says Looney.  "You don't want to disturb things.  That's the nature of the development."

"He is a little bit different than the normal developer," Looney adds.  "He's as concerned with what we're not going to do.  He impressed me as a guy who is very conscientious about the environment."

Marks met with local land planners and county officials before developing Leipers Fork and took measure to protect natural resources in the area and to protect scenic views, his friends say.

Looney met Marks in June 2007 through the Cumberland Yacht Harbor project Marks is also involved with in Nashville.