Prominent Denver businessman Don Sturm has formed a real estate firm to manage some of his current holdings and look for new development opportunities.

The company, called Sturm Realty Group, will oversee Sturm’s 350,000 square feet of office and retail space in Cherry Creek, including the former Tattered Cover building. It also will help American National Bank — which Sturm also owns — expand into new areas.

Additionally, Sturm Realty Group will "pursue new acquisitions and developments" both in the Denver area and outside Colorado.

The company, which says it has expertise in land planning, leasing, brokerage, construction management and development, has hired Denver native Evan Kline to serve as president. Kline served as a senior vice president and partner of Frederick Ross Company for 26 years.

"This is a great opportunity for me to work with Don Sturm and to capitalize on my experience," Kline said. "This is really an integrated, multi-faceted company that will work with American National as they expand and also pursue new acquisition and new developments."

American National Bank has several dozen branches in Colorado and Wyoming. Sturm also operates banks in Kansas and Missouri.