Our Mission

Somerset Development Company specializes in the revitalization of urban communities. Based in Washington, DC, with an office in Baltimore, MD, Somerset focuses on the development and preservation of affordable housing, as well as mixed income, mixed-use and market-rate residential properties. Undertaking the redevelopment of distressed urban properties that are often seen as liabilities, Somerset works to transform them into neighborhood assets, while preserving the essence of community.

Somerset—a mission-driven, for-profit company—internally subsidizes quality resident services programs in its underserved communities. Wherever possible, Somerset combines the renovation and preservation of historic properties with affordable housing and support for local business to achieve comprehensive and sustainable community revitalization. Somerset has a strong record of partnering with tenant associations, community organizations, non-profits, local businesses, and the public sector that share Somerset’s vision. Somerset is committed to smart growth, with an emphasis on transit-oriented and sustainable development, and investment in human capital.

In Washington, DC and Baltimore, Somerset has completed approximately 2300 mixed-income apartments, with an additional 370 units under development. Total development costs exceed $850 million. In addition, Somerset has developed approximately 60,000 square feet for community spaces, a branch library, and neighborhood retail, and funds robust resident services in all its multi-family buildings, supporting education, job training and family housing stability.

Somerset was founded in 2000 by Jim Campbell and Nancy Hooff. Mr. Campbell has over 40 years of experience in real estate development and finance, and Ms. Hooff has over 35 years of real estate, community and international development experience. Somerset is a 51% woman-owned business and is certified in Washington, DC as a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE).