Chris Houden is a seasoned real estate executive whose career reflects a rare blend of entrepreneurial spirit, operational rigor, and strategic foresight. As Managing Partner at Willow Partners and Palisade Property Management, he stands at the helm of a vertically integrated private equity real estate firm, overseeing more than $400 million in assets under management. With over a decade of experience navigating the complexities of multifamily development, private equity, and asset management, Chris has built a reputation for delivering results that outperform market benchmarks while fostering long-term value.
Chris’s journey in real estate began early and ambitiously—at just 22 years old, he completed his first multifamily development, skillfully navigating a challenging public entitlement process. This early success set the tone for a career defined by bold thinking, disciplined execution, and a deep understanding of both the numbers and the nuances that drive real estate investment success. Before founding Willow Partners, he worked closely with high-net-worth families, crafting tailored real estate investment strategies across diverse asset classes, and steadily expanding his portfolio in the multifamily and student housing sectors.
Since launching Willow Partners in 2020, Chris has led the firm’s strategic vision and operations, directing a development pipeline exceeding $250 million and advising on more than $175 million in real estate transactions. His expertise spans acquisitions, ground-up development, value-add rehabilitation, and complex recapitalizations. His deal experience includes transactions ranging from $7 million to $95 million in size, often involving intricate capital structures and high-stakes execution.
Chris also spearheaded the creation of Palisade Property Management, the in-house operations arm of Willow. Under his leadership, Palisade has become a high-performance platform grounded in data-driven decision-making, optimizing leasing, marketing, and daily operations to maximize asset performance. His focus on operational efficiency has directly translated into above-market occupancy and rental income across the firm’s portfolio.
Beyond his corporate leadership, Chris plays a key fiduciary role as Chair of several trusts managing over $150 million in diversified real estate holdings. In this capacity, he applies his expertise in estate advisory, strategic planning, and capital stewardship to ensure sustained value and intergenerational wealth transfer.
Chris holds a master’s degree in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a foundation that informs his technical precision and analytical approach. His core skills include private equity and capital markets, real estate finance, trust and estate advisory, and property management leadership. Yet what truly sets Chris apart is his ability to unite these capabilities around a singular focus: delivering value through thoughtful strategy, rigorous execution, and a deep understanding of market dynamics.
Outside the boardroom, Chris finds balance in the outdoors and at home. He’s an avid golfer, skier, and hunter, and cherishes time spent with his wife and their four children. Whether closing a complex deal or skiing down a mountain, Chris Houden brings the same energy, discipline, and focus to every endeavor—a commitment to excellence that defines his professional legacy.
Character
Chris Houden demonstrates exceptional integrity, work ethic, and humility, consistently leading with a values-driven approach that fosters trust among partners, clients, and team members. His character is evident in his long-term commitment to responsible growth, disciplined execution, and a deep sense of fiduciary duty in managing significant real estate assets.
Knowledge
With a master’s degree in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics and over a decade of hands-on experience, Chris possesses deep technical expertise in development, finance, capital markets, and asset management. His ability to navigate complex transactions and operational challenges is grounded in both academic rigor and real-world insight.
Strategic
Chris approaches real estate investment and development with a forward-thinking, market-responsive mindset that drives portfolio performance and sustainable value creation. His strategic leadership is reflected in the successful launch of Willow Partners and Palisade Property Management, both of which operate with long-term vision and executional excellence.
Communication
Chris is a clear, thoughtful communicator who excels at aligning diverse stakeholders, from investors and developers to operational teams and advisors. His ability to distill complex information and present it with clarity enables decisive action and fosters confidence in every phase of a project.
