Executive Team

Damon Lawrence - Co-Founder

Damon Lawrence is a visionary entrepreneur and advocate for education equity, particularly within the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) community. As the founder and driving force behind Heritage Heights, he has dedicated his career to transforming student housing for HBCU students, ensuring they have access to high-quality, affordable living spaces that enhance their educational experience.

With a background in real estate development and management, Mr. Lawrence brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. His journey began with a deep appreciation for the cultural and historical significance of HBCUs and a recognition of the critical need for improved student housing infrastructure within these institutions. Motivated by his personal experiences (Howard University ‘10) and the stories of countless students, Mr. Lawrence set out to make a tangible difference.

Stephen Muller - Co-Founder

Stephen Muller has over 20 years of CRE investing and development experience.  Mr. Muller is the Founder and Managing Principal of Vanadium Group, a real estate advisory and investment and development platform, with a highly specialized expertise in capitalizing large-scale urban renewal projects. At Vanadium, Mr. Muller oversees a current portfolio of $350 million across property types including hotels, medical & non-medical offices, retail, industrial and for rent residential. This includes assets throughout in New York, Maryland, and Florida, as well as in Germany and Poland.

Prior to Vanadium, Mr. Muller served as Chief Investment Officer at Arris Properties and Kuafu Properties, both New York City based development platforms, where he was responsible for overseeing a $2.4 billion development pipeline totaling more than 1.8 million square feet in New York City.  Mr. Muller’s experience also includes as a Partner at The Greenwich Group International, where he completed over $2.5 billion in exclusive assignments, including major mixed-use projects like The Wharf in Washington D.C., Miami Worldcenter in Miami, FL, and Live-Work Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV.  Mr. Muller started his career as a CMBS lender in the large loan groups at Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch.

Mr. Muller is a graduate of The George Washington University.

Sabine Vessnow - Co-Founder

Sabine Vessnow is a seasoned professional in the hospitality and real estate sectors, with a remarkable track record of innovation and strategic development across several leading companies, including Kimpton, the Sydell Group, and Airbnb. Her career is distinguished by her ability to blend hospitality with real estate development, creating spaces that offer not just a place to stay but a holistic experience that resonates with the local culture and community values.

Ms. Vessnows involvement with Heritage Heights brings her unique blend of skills and experiences to the forefront of HBCU student housing development. Her vision for Heritage Heights is to create living spaces that not only serve the practical needs of students but also foster a sense of community and belonging. She champions the idea that student housing should be immersive environments where cultural, educational, and personal growth is nurtured.

  • Our acquisitions team excels in pinpointing underutilized real estate within HBCU communities and harnessing its potential through ground-up development, redevelopment, asset repositioning, and innovative financing strategies. Our experienced professionals boast deep insights into both present and future market trends, enabling swift assessment, negotiation, and execution of acquisition opportunities tailored to the needs of the individual University

  • At Heritage Heights, we have orchestrated numerous deals with both domestic and international capital partners and debt providers. Our extensive network of connections with banks and investors guarantees access to the vital capital needed to realize any investment strategy.

  • Our development executives craft the strategic blueprint and oversee projects from inception to fruition, navigating the myriad interests and perspectives of numerous public and private stakeholders. Under their guidance, the end product is conceptualized, constructed, and delivered, encompassing aspects such as design, construction, budgeting, marketing, and sales, all tailored to the unique needs of each University.

  • Our construction department oversees every aspect of construction, from predevelopment stages to project turnover. Each project is assigned a dedicated construction executive, and a full-time representative is stationed on-site to ensure rigorous quality assurance and control measures. This meticulous arrangement ensures timely and budget-conscious project completion.

  • We've cultivated a skilled and perceptive management team dedicated to upholding the excellence of every project. Our management portfolio boasts esteemed commercial properties across the country. Leveraging our expertise and direct collaboration with development and construction teams, Heritage Heights offers a comprehensive suite of management services, encompassing operational, financial, and physical aspects, ensuring the highest standards of service and care for our HBCU developments.

Partner with Heritage Heights, today.