Whitestone REIT is a real estate investment trust (REIT) engaged in owning and operating commercial properties in culturally diverse markets in metropolitan areas. The company's primary business objective is to increase shareholder value by acquiring, owning, and operating Community Centered Properties. Its property portfolio includes retail and mixed-use properties located in business friendly locations in and around Austin, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Phoenix, and San Antonio. The properties are convenience-focused: merchandised with a mix of service-oriented tenants providing food (restaurants and grocers), self-care (health and fitness), services (financial and logistics), education, and entertainment to the surrounding communities.