Unico was originally formed as a public/private partnership to manage and develop a 10-acre parcel of land in downtown Seattle that was the original campus of the University of Washington. The area is known as the Metropolitan Tract, and has been converted to a portfolio of office buildings.

During its more than half a century, Unico has generated more than $300 million in revenue for the UW, and is responsible for creating significant community benefits in downtown Seattle such as the restoration of the landmark 5th Avenue Theatre. Over the past decade, Unico has continued to diversify its portfolio significantly by acquiring premier office buildings in major Western markets and growing Northwest urban centers. Today the firm's portfolio includes nearly six million sf of office and retail space in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Renton, San Francisco, Portland and Boise.

Petit joined Merrill 10 years ago after spending 18 years with Seafirst Bank and Pacific First Bank. Since joining Merrill, Petit has been instrumental in the formation of Merrill Gardens, a large, nationwide, privately-held assisted living company that currently owns and operates 62 communities in 14 states.