About Placemaker Properties
We create places where people and businesses can gather, grow, and thrive as a community.
At Placemaker Properties, we believe that each and every place – whether an apartment, a commercial space, or a community center – should reflect the unique character and needs of the neighborhood and community. We’ve been placemaking since 2016, with elevated apartment homes and commercial spaces across the Midwest. Find your place here.
Our leaders are experts in their craft.
Chris Erickson
Founder and Owner
Chris Erickson
Founder and Owner
Chris Erickson, founder of Placemaker Properties, brings extensive expertise in real estate acquisition, finance, design, and construction. With a career spanning over $1 billion in development projects, he has also led initiatives in urban planning, entitlements, and master planning. Chris’s passion for real estate is matched by his commitment to community, having served on the boards of inCommon Community Development and the Benson Business Improvement District. In 2014, he was named a Midlands Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 honoree.
Ashley Meyer
Vice President of Real Estate
Ashley Meyer
Vice President of Real Estate
Ashley Meyer, Vice President of Real Estate at Placemaker Properties, leads the company’s real estate operations with a focus on strategy, execution, and team development. She oversees the financial and operational performance of Placemaker’s commercial and residential portfolio, ensuring each asset operates efficiently and delivers exceptional experiences for tenants and residents. With a background in corporate real estate and project management, Ashley has led more than $25 million in tenant improvement and capital projects, guiding initiatives from concept to completion with a focus on quality, efficiency, and fiscal discipline. Known for her collaborative leadership and process-driven approach, Ashley builds high-performing teams and scalable systems that strengthen portfolio performance and advance Placemaker’s mission to create meaningful places for people to live, work, and connect.
Ciara Dean
Director of Property Management
Ciara Dean
Director of Property Management
Ciara Dean, Director of Property Management at Placemaker Properties, brings over 20 years of experience spanning leasing to asset management. She leads the property management division, overseeing commercial and multifamily portfolios while guiding residential, commercial, and marketing teams to ensure growth and tenant satisfaction. Known for building high-performing teams and streamlining operations, Ciara drives efficiency and enhances the overall tenant experience.
Adam Eckelbarger, CPA
Director of Accounting
Adam Eckelbarger, CPA
Director of Accounting
Adam Eckelbarger, Director of Accounting at Placemaker Properties, brings over 13 years of financial leadership experience and is a licensed CPA. He oversees all commercial, residential, and development accounting functions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and long-term growth. Known for his analytical approach, Adam plays a key role in maintaining the company’s financial health and expansion.
Alyssa Meisinger
Marketing Manager
Alyssa Meisinger
Marketing Manager
Alyssa Meisinger, Marketing Manager at Placemaker Properties, brings over 12 years of experience in brand development, strategic communications, and community engagement. She leads marketing initiatives that support residential and commercial growth, from campaigns that boost occupancy to partnerships and events that strengthen community connections and brand visibility.
Trisha Erickson
Engagement and Community Liaison
Trisha Erickson
Engagement and Community Liaison
As Engagement and Community Liaison, Trisha Erickson builds meaningful connections between Placemaker Properties, its residents, and community partners. A former Cardiac Nurse Practitioner, she brings a collaborative and compassionate approach to relationship-building. Trisha joined her husband, founder Chris Erickson, to support growth and lead outreach efforts, reflecting the company’s commitment to people and place.
You can trust that our values are honored, upheld, and implemented daily.
Humility
We lead conversations with kindness and practice humility in our exchanges by listening first. We create an environment where our tenants, partners, and teammates feel heard and respected.
Personal Responsibility
We take personal responsibility for our own outcomes, providing transparency to our team. We ensure every project consistently has a clear metric of success.
Growth
We have a hunger for growth and learning, supporting our team on their development journey. We cultivate an environment where success doesn’t come without failure.
Solution Mindset
We are optimistic and solution-oriented teammates who aren’t afraid of candor, and are willing to think outside of the box to creatively solve a problem.
Teamwork
We value one another’s perspectives, blending each department strategically in order to achieve a common goal. We understand how each of our roles compliment one another, and are always looking for ways to ensure seamless communication with our teammates and external partners.
