Washington, D.C. — Real Estate & Education
From a three-unit rowhouse in Shaw to 2,000+ units across the capital region.
Felipe Ernst is the founder of Capitol Rock Partners — known as Ernst Equities until a 2025 rename — a vertically integrated real estate firm built around value-add multifamily housing in Washington, D.C. He also teaches the next generation of developers as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University.
Washington, D.C.
About
A vertically integrated approach to housing the nation's capital.
Felipe Ernst founded Ernst Equities in 2015 with a single three-unit acquisition in Shaw, funded by a mortgage on his parents' house. Renamed Capitol Rock Partners in 2025, the firm now spans acquisitions, development, asset management, construction, and leasing — with a mission centered on quality workforce and affordable housing across the DC metro region.
The full storyCurrently
Founder & Managing Partner
Capitol Rock Partners (formerly Ernst Equities)
Also
Adjunct Professor
Georgetown University, School of Continuing Studies — recipient of the 2024 Tropaia Award
Ventures & Affiliations
Two platforms, one thesis: high-barrier-to-entry markets, vertically integrated.
Founded 2015 · Renamed Capitol Rock Partners 2025
Capitol Rock Partners
A vertically integrated real estate private equity and development firm acquiring and managing Class-B multifamily real estate with significant value-add potential in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Founded in 2015 as Ernst Equities; advanced to Capitol Rock Partners in 2025.
Since 2022
Georgetown University
Adjunct professor teaching "Multifamily Value-Add Investment and Development" in the School of Continuing Studies — 2024 Tropaia Award recipient.
We exist to build quality, affordable housing that improves residents' lives — without losing sight of strong returns for investors.
— Mission, Capitol Rock PartnersThe Built Environment
Value-add Multifamily Properties
Infill multifamily, reimagined
Vertically integrated real estate investing
Artwork and renderings shown are illustrative concept pieces, not photographs of a specific completed property.
Press & Recognition
In his own words and in the record.
Tropaia Award — Most Outstanding Faculty Member, Real Estate Program
Named a "Rising Star of Commercial Real Estate"
Two-Time "30 Under 30" Honoree
Let's Connect
Investor, journalist, or student — reach out directly.
Felipe responds personally to most inquiries within one business day.