The Seminole Real Estate Fund (SEMREF) has been busy helping secure a bright future for the tribe by adding to its portfolio of a dozen properties around the country. Since last June, SEMREF has purchased apartment buildings in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.

Founded in 2020, the objective of the fund is to enhance generational wealth of the tribe by diversifying through sound real estate investments in Class A rental apartment buildings. The goal is to generate sustainable income along with long-term asset appreciation.

SEMREF looks for properties by nationally known developers. With its experience in the market and the strength of the tribe behind it, the fund is able to offer ease and certainty of execution with no surprises.

“That makes us a very attractive buyer,” said SEMREF executive director Jonathan Levy. “We aren’t always the highest bidder, but we are certain. We aren’t the headache, we are the Tylenol.”

All of the properties are located in cities with job growth in professional industries such as medical, biotech, finance and law.

“We like to say eds and meds put heads in beds,” Levy said. “They attract the right clientele for us. Universities, hospitals and medical centers attract higher income folks.”

In addition to Los Angeles and D.C., the apartment buildings are located in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Seattle, Kansas City, Las Vegas and Tampa.

Washington, D.C.

In June 2024, SEMREF purchased Alton District, a 125-unit, apartment building in the heart of Washington, D.C. Located in a prime location about a mile from the White House and close to many popular restaurants and shops, the apartment building also contains ground floor retail establishments including a bank, law office and high-end
coffee shop.

Alton District offers studio, one bedroom and two-bedroom apartments and amenities including a fitness center, parking garage with electric vehicle charging stations and a rooftop terrace.

“We were attracted to D.C. because its population has increased by 14% in 10 years and by 19% near the District,” Levy said.

Los Angeles

In January 2025, SEMREF purchased Vinz on Fairfax, a 144-unit apartment building in the Miracle Mile area of Los Angeles near The Grove shopping and entertainment area, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and about a mile from Beverly Hills.

Vinz on Fairfax offers studio, one bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments. Amenities include a pool, hot tub, fitness center, covered parking with electric vehicle charging stations and a resident lounge with kitchen, fireplace, televisions and billiards.

“It has excellent bones and is in a great location,” Levy said.

Overall, SEMREF’s portfolio has grown significantly and is valued at more than twice its initial investment.

“We buy property for the long term,” Levy said. “The tribe holds the properties for the foreseeable future for generational wealth building.”