About Vamos Development
In Spanish, ‘Vamos’ translates to ‘Let’s go.’ In the world of real estate development, progress can sometimes be a bit sluggish. However, the name ‘Vamos’ embodies the spirit of taking initiative and moving forward swiftly. It reflects a commitment to productivity, direct action, and a results-oriented approach.
Vamos Development Advisors is a team of urban planners and commercial real estate development experts that specialize in retail /commercial and mixed-use development planning, highest and best use analysis, project positioning and financial due diligence to help clients maximize the value of their real estate while minimizing risks. Clients retain our services to minimize market and financial risk to their developments, but also rely on us to explore different options that help their projects to be more impactful in the marketplace.
Michael Penalosa, Principal
Sought after expert in retail market analysis and development planning.
The firm is led by Michael Penalosa, who has 30 years of experience in retail/commercial real estate development planning, and has led various consulting assignments throughout North America, Asia, Middle East and North Africa. Michael is one of the leading professionals in defining successful approaches for retail and mixed-use project planning.
Michael’s expertise is focused on market feasibility and development strategies for mixed-use projects, downtown revitalization, ‘Main Street’ retail, mall redevelopment strategies, and master-planned communities.
In addition, Michael actively participates on a variety of industry boards with the Innovating Commerce Serving Communities (formerly International Council of Shopping Centers – ICSC) and Urban Land Institute, promoting their educational events and conferences. Michael graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia (British Columbia, Canada) with a focus on urban planning and land economics.
Strategic Development Advisor
His 30-year tenure in the real estate development consulting industry includes senior leadership roles at Deloitte (Real Estate Group), Thomas Consultants (Managing Principal for 10 years of total 20 years at the firm – acquired by Deloitte in February 2018) and urban planning roles at Aplin & Martin Consultants and IBI Group. Michael has also been a recognized speaker at various industry conferences.
