Developer Spotlight: Lexie Brown
At 1DROP, we celebrate BIPOC developers who are building housing and creating pathways to homeownership. Our latest Developer Spotlight features Lexie Brown, a rising force in real estate who transitioned from Bioresource Science and Engineering to housing development during the pandemic. With five years in the field and seven projects completed, Lexie now balances her role at Louis Rudolph Homes while building Alexandria Construction into a driver of accessible housing solutions.
From Science to Development: An Unexpected Path
Lexie's journey into real estate began in 2020, fresh out of the University of Washington with her degree in Bioresource Science and Engineering. Her first project as superintendent—building four duplexes and delivering eight units in five months—became a defining moment that revealed natural abilities she didn't know she possessed.
“I realized I could solve problems in the field by watching, asking the right questions, and working directly with our trade partners. My background was completely different from what I expected to be doing, but I found my footing by staying curious and engaged.”
Alexandria Construction
Lexie's professional evolution showcases remarkable growth from hands-on project management to entrepreneurial leadership. Five years of experience across seven completed projects have built her expertise in every aspect of development, while her current role managing the Lawrence Street development—a 10-unit project featuring innovative stacked duplexes—has refined her skills in bidding, estimating, and trade partner coordination that would prove invaluable for her entrepreneurial venture.
This foundation of practical experience positioned Lexie perfectly for her next milestone: Alexandria Construction. The company recently achieved a significant breakthrough by securing its first land acquisition, with plans underway to develop two duplexes that will contribute to the local housing stock. This achievement was made possible through LISC's Housing Equity Accelerator (HEA) program, which provided crucial support through a land acquisition grant.
Lexie Brown signs the closing documents for Alexandria Construction's first land acquisition.
Lexie’s advice for emerging developers, particularly those from underrepresented communities, centers on connection and persistence:
“Get connected. Get into every room that you can get into. Learn how to network and talk to people. It will open doors you didn’t even know existed.”
Building Toward Homeownership and Community Impact
Looking ahead, Lexie envisions scaling her impact through larger multifamily projects while maintaining her focus on homeownership opportunities. Her ultimate goal is ambitious yet grounded in practicality: creating housing solutions that serve families while building equity and stability for underrepresented communities.
“Homeownership is such a valuable way to strengthen our communities because it addresses one of our basic needs. I want to make an impact across America by building all of us up—you're only as strong as your weakest link.”
- Lexie Brown
Through her work and her connection to 1DROP, Lexie represents the next generation of developers who understand that success is measured not just in units delivered, but in lives improved and communities strengthened.
About 1DROP
1DROP is a collective of underrepresented real estate developers addressing the Puget Sound housing crisis. We are committed to empowering underrepresented developers to build housing for all wages, all stages, and all ages while growing access to generational in.
1DROP achieves its mission by, externally:
Advocating for funding for underrepresented developers and their projects.
Advocating for policy solutions that enable more housing.
And internally by providing:
Apprenticeships for aspiring underrepresented developers.
Co-development for emerging underrepresented developers.
Mentorship, networking, resources and support services for all underrepresented developers.
For those inspired to learn more or get involved in supporting equitable housing, visit 1DROP's website to explore our initiatives and join us in making an impact.
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