ABOUT US

James Ashley “AJ” Johnston founded Metropolis Property Group in 2016 and has 15 years of experience working in diverse roles in every facet of the real estate industry: managing and directing all aspects of acquisitions, entitlements, development, leasing, brokerage, and consulting. He has been involved in the investment, development, and asset management of real estate valued at more than $1 billion and secured entitlements to build more than a thousand residential units. AJ’s experience enables him to envision and identify the highest and best use for each real estate investment.

As an associate at Pulte Homes, AJ managed acquisitions and development of single family and multifamily housing on Long Island. He then lead the New York State development division for Sunrise Senior Living, one of the country’s top three providers and developers of assisted living, independent living, and memory care. At Blumenfeld Development Group, AJ assisted the company’s principals on acquisitions, development, leasing, and the asset management of over three million square feet of class A retail. As Director of Real Estate for King Kullen Grocery Co., Inc.. AJ was responsible for the asset management of a portfolio consisting of over 50 real estate assets and the disposition of the company’s assets including originating and coordinating the sale of the company’s Staten Island portfolio to Ahold USA for their Stop N Shop brand. Most recently AJ was the Vice President of Acquisitions and Development at the Engel Burman Group where his responsibilities included the sourcing, land use entitlements, and the development of assisted living, multifamily, and retail communities in support of the company’s strategic growth plan up and down the east coast.

AJ earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Economics and History from Boston College and a Master of Business Administration from Fordham University Executive Program with concentrations in Finance and International Management.