The Cordish Companies
| Company type | Privately held company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Real estate development |
| Founded | 1910 |
| Founder | Louis Cordish |
| Headquarters | Pratt Street Power Plant Baltimore, Maryland United States |
Key people | David Cordish, Chairman; CEO Jon Cordish, Principal |
| Website | www |
The Cordish Companies—previously known as The Cordish Company—is an American real estate development and entertainment enterprise headquartered on the sixth floor of Baltimore’s Pratt Street Power Plant. Founded in 1910 by Louis Cordish, the firm has grown into a prominent player in commercial real estate, gaming operations, entertainment districts, hospitality, and private equity investment.
Leadership passed to Louis’s son, Paul L. Cordish, in 1933, and later to Paul’s son David S. Cordish in 1968. David currently holds the positions of chairman and CEO. His three sons—Jonathan, Blake, and Reed Cordish—serve as Vice Presidents responsible for Private Equity Holdings, Real Estate Development, and Entertainment Management respectively.
The company operates across multiple sectors including commercial property development, coworking environments, gaming resorts, residential communities, dining establishments, and sports-centered districts.
History
Since its inception in 1910 focusing on real estate within the Baltimore–Washington metropolitan area, The Cordish Companies has expanded through successive family leadership. When David S. Cordish took the helm in 1968, he initiated efforts to broaden the company’s scope.
Significant developments include the establishment of Gaming and Hotel divisions in 1982 and the creation of the Entertainment Management division in 1994. The company debuted its first Live! entertainment district with Power Plant Live! in 1999.
By 2004, The Cordish Companies had developed the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino locations in Tampa and Hollywood, Florida. The following year saw the launch of the Sports-Anchored District division to leverage the relationship between sports facilities and real estate ventures.
The firm expanded internationally starting in 2010 through its International Development division. In 2020, it ventured into digital gaming by introducing Playlive!, marking its entrance into online gaming markets.
Most recently, in July 2023, The Cordish Companies registered NC Development Holdings in North Carolina as part of its strategic expansion into additional regional markets.
Investments
Among the company's significant real estate ventures, which demonstrate its strategic approach and market presence, are the following:
- Ballpark Village (St. Louis) (St. Louis, MO)
- Bayou Place & Bayou Place Offices (Houston, TX)
- Charleston Place (Charleston, SC)
- Diamond Jacks Casino and Hotel (Bossier City), purchased in 2023
- Fourth Street Live! (Louisville, KY)
- Jacksonville Shipyards (Jacksonville, FL)
- Kansas City Live! (Kansas City, MO)
- Miami Live! (Miami, FL)
- Live! at the Battery (Atlanta, GA)
- Live! by Loews – locations in Arlington and St. Louis
- Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland (Baltimore/Washington, DC)
- Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia
- Live! Casino Pittsburgh (Greensburg, PA)
- One Cardinal Way and One Light Luxury Apartments (St. Louis and Kansas City, MO)
- Pattison Place office building (Philadelphia, PA)
- Power & Light District (Kansas City, MO)
- Power Plant & Pier IV and Power Plant Live! (Baltimore, MD)
- Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino venues in Hollywood and Tampa, FL
- Spark coworking locations in Baltimore and Kansas City
- Texas Live! (Arlington, TX)
- Two Light and Three Light Luxury Apartments (Kansas City, MO)
- Waterside District (Norfolk, VA)
- Xfinity Live! Philadelphia
This assortment of developments underscores the company's diverse holdings across entertainment hubs, upscale residential complexes, casinos, hotels, and coworking facilities. Such variety bolsters its competitive positioning across various markets while expanding its global operational reach.
Recognition
The Cordish Companies has earned seven ULI Awards for Excellence in acknowledgment of its influential role in urban development within major markets. These honors emphasize the firm's visionary leadership and dedication to improving urban landscapes through its real estate initiatives.