HOUSTON-Camden Property Trust’s Chairman andCEO Ric Campo said the REIT plans to capitalize onthe “best multifamily operating environment” in a decade by rampingup its development activities. It plans to break ground on $150million in new development projects before the end of 2011 andexpects to advance $400 million to $600 million in ground upconstruction opportunities in 2012.

Campo made the announcement during the REIT’s second quarter2011 earnings conference call. Camden has eight properties underdevelopment currently including: Camden LaVina, a $61 millionproject in Orlando, FL; Camden Summerfield II, a $32 millionproject in Landover, MD; and Camden Royal Oaks II, a $14 millionproject in Houston.

The REIT also began construction during the quarter on threemore communities totaling 978 apartment homes for a total cost of$141 million. The properties include: Camden Montague in Tampa, FL,a $23 million project with 192 apartment homes; Camden Westchase inTampa, FL, a $52 million project with 348 apartment homes; andCamden Town Square in Orlando, FL, a $66 million project with 438apartment homes.