
Molasky Family In Its Third Generation of Builders

Alan Molasky and his children, Jess and Josie, aren’t resting on the laurels of their family name—they’re making their own sustainable mark on Las Vegas.
Alan is the son of Irwin Molasky and has three siblings—Beth, Steven, and Andrew—who were all part of the Molasky Group of Companies Board. This group was responsible for developing office buildings in partnership with the government including the Las Vegas Valley Water District, National Archives, and FBI buildings. Irwin Molasky was one of Las Vegas’ leading developers off the Strip, responsible for transformative projects like Sunrise Hospital, Boulevard Mall, Bank of America Plaza in downtown, and the Paradise Palms master-planned community. “Papa Irwin,” as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, also helped launch Lorimar Productions, the entertainment company behind hit TV shows like Dallas and Full House, connecting Las Vegas with Hollywood. He donated the land that became UNLV’s main campus and served as the founding chairman of the university’s fundraising arm, the UNLV Foundation. He also founded the Nathan Adelson Hospice, a nonprofit end-of-life-care provider that has served thousands of patients and families in Southern Nevada.
While Irwin was larger than life, Alan has never been content to simply carry the Molasky name. He and his children are actively building on that legacy—especially through the development of market-rate and senior affordable multifamily housing.
Alan, who once focused on single-family housing with Pacific Properties (a partnership with his brother Steven in the 1980s and 1990s), continues to blaze his own trail in multifamily housing through Ovation Development Corporation.
Jess, 31, and Josie, 27, now work alongside their father, 68, forming three generations of Molasky’s who have continued the development tradition. Josie oversees design—including architecture, interiors, landscape, branding, and social media—while Jess, as chief operating officer, manages day-to-day operations across Ovation’s four companies.
Since 1984, Alan has built 56 apartment communities totaling 13,044 units. Four more communities are currently under construction. Ovation Property Management oversees 56 properties—40 of which it owns.
Ovation’s current multifamily portfolio includes 46 apartment-home communities totaling nearly 10,000 units. Of those, 15 are income- and rent-restricted communities for seniors, comprising more than 2,274 units. By 2028, Ovation plans to complete six additional senior affordable communities, adding over 1,650 units and much-needed housing for low-income seniors.

In March, Ovation launched a new brand for its senior affordable housing portfolio: Heirloom by Ovation. These communities live like market-rate properties, featuring fitness centers, tech rooms, social spaces, and other amenities. Wraparound services—provided by Ovation’s nonprofit partner, Coordinated Living of Southern Nevada—include transportation to medical appointments, grocery trips, food assistance, and more.
Jess, a UCLA graduate with a degree in geography and urban planning, leads strategic growth and operational excellence across Ovation’s real estate development, general contracting, property management, and asset management arms. Under his leadership, Ovation has streamlined operations, expanded its pipeline, and deepened its commitment to sustainable, high-quality housing.
Josie, a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in environmental design (with an emphasis in architecture), works to synchronize all aspects of design. Her love for the serene beauty of the desert shines through in an elevated aesthetic that promotes peace and sanctuary. With a passion for nature and conservation, she brings a heightened focus on sustainability to Ovation’s design ethos, helping usher the company into a new era with a refreshed visual identity.
Alan says he was fortunate to have Irwin not only as a father but also as a mentor. He recalls spending hours in Irwin’s office, watching him conduct business and joining him on project visits.
"He gave me a hands-on education that I would have never gotten otherwise,” Alan said. “And it wasn’t all business. He would have meetings, and the chatter didn’t just jump to business. Irwin was very inquisitive and wanted to learn about the people he was working with, so his meetings would begin with friendly and personal conversation. All my life, I’ve run into people who tell me stories about Irwin—not just stories, but life-changing stories of the many things he did for them. His life’s story is way more than just real estate.”
Alan finds fulfillment in building and design. He frequently drives around examining colors, windows, and floor plans—constantly tinkering to ensure the apartment homes he creates have the kind of thoughtful design that uplifts residents.
“We’re building homes and communities,” Jess said. “When you’re tweaking those walls, you know somebody is going to come home to them every day. That makes a big difference when we upgrade our amenities or change our design.”
Alan says he’s proud to have his children working alongside him to continue the Molasky legacy. Though he considered retirement years ago, he wanted Jess and Josie to share in the same excitement he felt when building communities and giving back.
“I want my children to have that—and future generations to have that,” Alan said. “Not everyone gets to do what they love in their work. It’s nice to know there’s a place for the family. I get to see and talk to them and spend a lot of time together.”
Just as Alan did with Irwin, Jess and Josie grew up visiting construction sites and sitting in on meetings. Jess always had a sense that he would one day join the family business.
“When I went to UCLA, I always thought I would come back home and work with the family,” Jess said.
But it wasn’t automatic. Alan insisted Jess gain outside experience first, so he spent two years with UCLA Capital Programs, helping develop three new LEED-certified dorms and two world-class athletic facilities for the 2028 Olympics.
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“Coming to Ovation was a unique opportunity to build off these two amazing legacy generations,” Jess said. “Not only did Papa Irwin lay this incredible foundation, but Dad built this amazing company with 350 employees. Now, in my role overseeing operations, I’m touching all of those pieces and more. It’s interesting to see how we’ve evolved the company by taking the DNA from our family’s original developments and scaling it today. I find senior affordable housing particularly rewarding. The feedback and occasional hugs I get from residents is a daily reminder of the importance of this work.”
Alan emphasized that the company’s evolution—and his dream of passing it to the next generation—wouldn’t have been possible if he tried to do it alone. The Molaskys are building a company, not just projects, and he’s always had a plan for Jess and Josie’s involvement.
Josie once worked as a leasing agent one summer, in keeping with Alan’s belief that his children should learn every part of the business. Jess, too, was required to work a summer in maintenance—an experience that shaped his understanding of operations and his appreciation for hands-on learning.
“Josie has an amazing talent for design—not just for buildings but for the entire image of the company. Thanks to her insight and guidance, the feel of the company has been transformed through more defined branding,” Alan said.
Josie says she knew from a young age that she wanted to do something creative. Though she explored different avenues, she always returned to design as her outlet—because it impacts people on a deeply personal level.
"I grew up watching my dad with his plans, tracing paper, pencil, and rulers spread out all over our dining room table,” Josie said.
She feels lucky to love her work, especially as she integrates sustainability into her designs. Her vision for Ovation is inspired by the mountains and desert landscapes of Southern Nevada.
“My dad took us hiking in Red Rock every weekend, and that was a big part of my childhood,” Josie said. “When I think of Las Vegas, I think of going out to hike in the desert. I really do have a strong connection to all these desert plants and mountains. We would go out on these walks, and my dad would point to and name each desert plant. Not only did I get an appreciation for architecture, but also for our incredible Southern Nevada landscape.”
The Molasky Family Foundation quietly supports nonprofits throughout the community, with a focus on homelessness, food insecurity, health and wellness, medical research, the environment, and education. Jess says, “It’s a meaningful space for the family to come together and make an impact. Our parents, Christy and Alan, have used it to pass down important lessons and a strong sense of purpose.” Taking after Irwin—a legendary philanthropist in his own right—the family prefers to give quietly, choosing connection over recognition.
“We think of Papa Irwin every day,” Jess said. “He left huge shoes to fill, but it feels right that we continue to do good by building quality places to call home for the hardworking people of Nevada. As a family business with three generations involved, we pledge to honor his legacy.”
