ABOUT US

Creating communities and
Enhancing Lifestyles

In 1968, Charles S. Williams, Sr. founded Charles Williams Real Estate Investment Corporation with a vision to develop a range of different multi-family housing products throughout the Southeast. During the early years, the company specialized in developing and operating affordable and market-rate housing—including HUD section 236, 221D-4, and FMHA 515 affordable housing developments. Today the operation continues as a second-generation family-owned business. Our corporate office, known as Winthrop Corporate Square is located in historic downtown Rome on East 6th Avenue.

By the early 1980s, the corporation established itself with a portfolio of projects ranging from affordable housing to assisted living, nursing homes, and market-rate housing products. Most recently, in 2018, CWREIC completed the development of a four-story, luxury apartment community located in Rome, GA within walking distance of State Mutual Stadium, home of the Rome Braves baseball team. With 124 units, this gated community offers a variety of amenities including a resort-style swimming pool with a Gazebo featuring large screen TV, fire pits and comfortable lounge chairs by the pool, and a Fitness Center. The building is complete with a Clubhouse and meeting area for the residents’ convenience.

Many of our properties have received recognition for various achievements such as Best Apartment Community of Rome, Manager of the Year, Maintenance Staff of the Year, and Georgia HAP Property of the Year. The HUD properties received yearly Superior inspection ratings and have also received a three-year exemption from the yearly scheduled Government Physical Property Inspection (REAC) due to superior scores. CWREIC was recognized in 2007 as the Georgia HAP and SAHMA Property Management Company of the year. The development of these properties has been a major commitment to provide residents with quality living over many years.

CWREIC has significant experience in structuring and financing a number of housing types that require complex and creative financing solutions. Through its decades of service and experience, the company has always maintained a friendly, positive attitude when approaching new opportunities. The mission and values remain the same today, “Create unique housing opportunities with a level of excellence that stands apart.”

At Charles Williams Real Estate Investment Company, it has been an honor and privilege to develop & operate residential communities throughout the state of Georgia. It is our commitment to continue the legacy of values the company was founded upon, act with integrity, and serve our residents with excellence. Many of our properties have received recognition for various achievements such as Best Apartment Community of Rome, Manager of the Year, Maintenance Staff of the Year, and Georgia HAP Property of the Year. The HUD properties received yearly Superior inspection ratings and have also received a three-year exemption from the yearly scheduled Government Physical Property Inspection (REAC) due to superior scores. CWREIC was recognized in 2007 as the Georgia HAP and SAHMA Property Management Company of the year. The development of these properties has been a major commitment to provide residents with quality living over many years. CWREIC has significant experience in structuring and financing a number of housing types that require complex and creative financing solutions. Through its decades of service and experience, the company has always maintained a friendly, positive attitude when approaching new opportunities. The mission and values remain the same today, “Create unique housing opportunities with a level of excellence that stands apart.”

At Charles Williams Real Estate Investment Company, it has been an honor and privilege to develop & operate residential communities throughout the state of Georgia. It is our commitment to continue the legacy of values the company was founded upon, act with integrity, and serve our residents with excellence.

Meet Our Team

charlie williams

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Charlie Williams, Jr. is the CEO of the Charles Williams Real Estate Investment Company (CWREIC) which invests in residential development and property management opportunities, specializing in self managing their own portfolio of residential communities. As a Real Estate Broker and CPM, Charlie directs the daily operations and casts the vision for new investment opportunities for the company and has been with the company since 1986.
Under his leadership, CWREIC has developed and manages one of the most diversified residential portfolios in the State. The communities range from Luxury Market Rate Apartments, HUD Section 8, USDA, Low Income Tax Credit, Supportive Housing for the Homeless and Mentally Ill, Assisted Living and Memory Care for Seniors. He has successfully developed, and managed residential portfolios valued at over 200 million, many of which have been sold at premium returns.
Charlie always enjoys the challenge of new projects and focuses on a servant style of leadership that elevates others around him. He is very community minded and enjoys serving within his church and has been actively engaged in serving with and leading several boards in the past and currently.

gardner williams

PRESIDENT

Local resident Gardner Williams is the President of Charles Williams REIC. With over 25 years invested in the company, he has overseen property developments, construction, and daily asset management across the region. Gardner actively serves his church and invests in the community. He enjoys spending time with his wife and daughters.
Gardner studied at the University of Georgia. He has earned a CPM, Associate Broker License, and is a Licensed Contractor.

Freda Cook

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Freda Cook is the Chief Financial Officer of Charles Williams REIC. A dedicated employee for 20 years, she is a valuable asset to the team and is responsible for financial reporting, internal controls, and both financial strategy and budgetary oversight. Freda earned her Bachelor of Business Administration from Kennesaw State University.

Drew Forston

Regional Asset Manager

Drew Forston comes to Charles Williams REIC with over 10 years of experience in property management. As the Regional Manager, Drew oversees the day-to-day operations for our company’s portfolio. He works directly with our onsite staff to maximize each properties performance. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University.

Renee Garner

Accounts Payable Manager

Renee Garner is the Accounts Payable Manager at Charles Williams REIC. Her strengths in organization, keen attention to detail, and communication have made her an invaluable team member for the 16 years and counting. Renee is responsible for managing all activities in the accounts payable function, including ensuring timely payments of vendor invoices and maintaining accurate records and control reports.

Company Project History

Company Project History

• Horseleg Plantation Country Club and Estates, Rome, GA, 1995, full service country club and tennis facility. Developed and sold 27 upscale residential home sites.
• Winthrop Medical Services, Inc., Rome, GA, 1990, facility to provide various health care services to the elderly.
• Winthrop Durable Medical Supply Company, Rome, GA, 1990

• Allatoona Home Health Care, Certificate of Need, Bartow, Floyd, and Cherokee Counties, joint venture with Floyd Medical Center
• Winthrop CORF (Compliance Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility)
• River Bend Mall Development, Rome, GA, redeveloped and sold in 1997