About Us

James Doran Company, established in 1882, is a real estate investment and development company based in Charleston, South Carolina. Through detailed market research, high-quality construction, appealing architecture, and financial integrity, JDC successfully conceptualizes, executes, and integrates innovative real estate development projects in communities throughout the Southeast.

History

In 1844, William Doran set sail from Dublin, Ireland, to escape the poverty and despair brought on by the country's potato blight. He landed in Charleston, South Carolina, one of the most vibrant and prosperous cities in the New World, and made a new home for himself. Because Charleston was then one of the most preeminent ports in the world, there was plenty of work for strong and ambitious men, and young William quickly found employment as a stevedore, loading and unloading precious cargo.

(pictured: James Doran, the Doran Brothers,)

In 1882, William and his son, James, saw an opportunity for success and founded the James Doran Company, which quickly became one of the largest shipping companies in Charleston.

The old Farmers and Exchange Bank Building in Charleston, SC

Over the years, the company changed to keep pace with the economic climate. The Dorans continued to diversify the company to capitalize on the growing industry of real estate and investment banking, and by the 1960s, the stevedoring arm of the business was phased out.

After William's great-grandson, Robert “Bob” Doran Sr., had taken the reigns, the company changed its focus to office and multi-family real estate, investing in several well-located office and multi-family properties. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the company focused primarily on retail real estate throughout the Southeast. Specifically, the James Doran Company specialized in high-end, mixed-use town center developments that combined retail, office, residential, and leisure uses in a neo-traditional neighborhood environment. The company has developed more than three million square feet of retail, office and mixed-use space and more than six thousand apartment units, totaling $1.5 billion in its portfolio.

In 1992, Bob and his wife, Tracy, founded the Humanities Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, to address the need for affordable housing in Charleston. Since then, the organization has grown — developing more than 2,500 units in South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, and Louisiana. The James Doran Company continues to provide support to the Humanities Foundation as a partner in development and property management.

In 2009, the James Doran Company recognized the need for management services for the growing residential real estate portfolio. JDC Management was founded to meet the need. With more than two hundred years of combined experience, JDC Management's staff understands that it takes hard work, attention to detail, and innovation to excel in the property management industry. Combining civic concern and dedication with utmost professionalism, JDC Management has become a dynamic leader in providing excellent customer service—and this contributes greatly to the success of each managed property.

The James Doran Company established Quantum Builders in 2010 to provide construction management and property maintenance for the growing portfolio. Quantum Builders are experts in both construction and renovation of residential and commercial properties.

Team

JDC’s able, experienced staff are currently led by James’ great-grandson, Robert J. Doran, Jr. Robert is a fifty-year veteran of every type of development and real estate investment. Under his leadership, JDC has developed more than three million square feet of retail, office, and mixed-use space and more than six thousand apartment units.

Tracy + Bob Doran via Charleston Magazine

Robert J Doran, Jr.

Chief executive officer

James Doran’s great-grandson, Robert currently leads JDC and is a fifty year veteran of every type of real estate investment and of development. Under his leadership, JDC has developed more than three million square feet of retail, office and mixed-use space and more than six thousand apartment units, totaling $1.5 billion in its portfolio.

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