Who We Are
Nathan Watson
President, CL Real Estate Development
Nathan Watson
Nathan Watson
General Manager, Real Estate Development, CL Enterprises, LLC, Kaskaskia
Development, LLC
Nathan approaches real estate development with an entrepreneurial mindset. Whether it
is identifying new project opportunities or finding creative design solutions, he is always
searching for a better way to do things. He has an extensive background in real estate
acquisition, project finance, building and community design, and historic renovations.
Nathan’s assignments have included a 4,800 Acre Master Planned Community on the Gulf Coast and a 72 Acre
mixed-use urban riverfront redevelopment project in New Orleans, through which he led or participated in the
development of luxury apartments, hotels, retail, office, and infrastructure projects.
Earlier in his career, he started a bank-owned for-profit community development corporation and his own
development business. Projects included historic restorations, affordable multi-family housing, and new residential
community development.
He studied Architecture and Real Estate Finance, completing a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Auburn
University and a MBA from Columbia University.
Nathan is married to Michelle Watson and relocated to Illinois in December 2015 to organize and lead CL Real
Estate Development, including the Kaskaskia Hotel and Conference Center and a growing portfolio of creative adaptive reuse and new construction projects.
Jackson Powell
Director of Finance
Jackson Powell
As director of finance, Jackson manages the financial sources and uses of the firm. His responsibilities include obtaining project finance, project development financial modeling and structure, financial and legal aspects of acquisition closings, corporate risk management, and financial budgeting and reporting. Jackson also serves as Treasurer for the city of Peru, Illinois. Prior to joining CL Real Estate in 2018, Jackson worked in banking as a controller, and in public accounting. Jackson earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia, and is a Certified Public Accountant (Virginia).
Brant Cohen
Michigan Development Associate
Brant Cohen
As the Michigan Development Associate, Brant serves as the representative of CL Real Estate in Michigan and runs our branch office in Hillsdale. Brant oversees CL Real Estate’s Michigan projects, looks for new development opportunities in the state, and assists in acquisition, planning, and development. Brant recently graduated from Hillsdale College in May of 2018 with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics. As a student he interned in Washington D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives and interned for an Illinois State Senator. Brant is also an Illinois native born and raised in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago. He has great a passion for the mission of CL Real Estate and is dedicated to growing the company beyond Illinois with unique projects and opportunities.
Brian Breslin
Project Manager
Brian Breslin
As the Project Manager, Brian works with the architects, designers, and contractors to ensure each project moves from concept to completion.
