Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based CRE developer and builder The Doran Group on Dec. 28 announced the passing of company founder Kelly Doran.
Doran passed following a year-long battle with cancer. Evan Doran, Doran’s oldest son who has led the company as president since 2022, will continue to lead the organization moving forward, a company that includes more than 130 employees and a real estate portfolio valued at more than $1 billion.
Kelly Doran was a visionary entrepreneur who founded the company in 2007, developed more than 3,700 high-end apartment units and built The Doran Group into one of the most respected names in the industry. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.
“We are all saddened by my dad’s passing,” said Evan Doran, son of Kelly Doran and president of The Doran Group. “He was not only an exceptional businessman, but also a loving father, grandfather and friend. He built this company from the ground up and instilled in all who worked with him a commitment to excellence, integrity and looking out for one another. I will continue to honor that spirit among our partners and our employees, all of whom are an extension of our family.”
Over the last 15 years, Kelly Doran completed dozens of high-profile developments across the state and in Colorado, including luxury apartments, student housing and retail centers. He has won numerous awards for innovative designs and is widely recognized as a leader in the industry, being named a “Most Admired CEO” by Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Real Estate Journal in 2022, and serving on several boards and committees while contributing to various philanthropic causes.
“We have a strong foundation and seasoned leadership team,” said Evan Doran. “I look forward to continuing my dad’s legacy by leading with integrity, doing what we say we are going to do with our partners, and continuing to create places in our community that people want to call home.”
Evan Doran, who joined the company five years ago after working in California real estate for the Sydell Group, brings a wealth of real estate business leadership experience to his role. He has been instrumental in The Doran Group’s most recent successful projects, including The Reserve at Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove, Lyra Apartments in Denver, Colorado, and the recently completed Ruby Apartments in St. Anthony Village, named for his oldest daughter.
Evan serves on the Boards of the International Institute of Minnesota and People Serving People, and is also a member of the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Urban Land Institute.
