The Lincoln Park Builders of Chicago recently held its 34th annual Real Estate Forum, one of the Chicago real estate industry’s most popular events. Over 1,000 attendees gathered at Theater on the Lake in Lincoln Park last Thursday, Nov. 16, for an evening of networking and a panel discussion titled “City of Neighborhoods – Challenges, Opportunities and What’s to Come.”

The program kicked off by recognizing the achievements of J. Michael Drew, founding principal of Structured Development, who received the organization’s Impact Award for his significant contributions to the growth of the city. In his acceptance speech, Drew acknowledged the issues facing Chicago but gave an optimistic outlook, reminding the attendees that Chicago remains the No. 1 market in middle America and is the business and financial center of the Midwest.

“Despite its challenges of today, [Chicago] has great bones, a storied past, and a bright future,” Drew said. The veteran developer also called upon his peers in the development industry to insist on input and collaboration with policymakers rather than confrontation when it comes to shaping Chicago’s future. “Change the dialogue from the development community as the problem and redefine it as part of the solution,” added Drew. “The future of the city and its neighborhoods may well depend on a new and better way of messaging and addressing the challenges ahead.”

Keynote speaker Ron DeVries, senior managing director of Integra Realty Resources-Chicago, echoed Drew’s remarks with a cautiously bullish outlook. In his presentation, DeVries shared a series of slides pointing to a steady rise in median home prices and upgraded credit ratings – Illinois now has an ‘A’ from the three major rating agencies – as tailwinds for the market. DeVries also noted that Chicago remains the most diverse economy in the U.S., with no single industry accounting for more than 15% of GDP.

The program concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Steve Fifield, founder and CEO of Fifield Companies. Panelists included Impact Award recipient Drew, who was joined by Corey Oliver, CEO of Strength in Management; Frank Campise, principal at JAB Real Estate; and Matt Garrison, CEO of R2 Companies. The discussion covered topics ranging from the capital markets to where the panelists see the best opportunities in 2024 and beyond. Fifield shared some additional stats illustrating the strength of the local market.

“Chicago has been the top metro for business relocations for the last 10 years,” Fifield said, adding that the city also has a high percentage of college graduates relative to other major cities.

About Lincoln Park Builders of Chicago:

Founded in 1968, the Lincoln Park Builders of Chicago is an honorary society of real estate builders, developers, managers and principals, or individuals who are influential in the industry. The Club’s mission is to promote social camaraderie, support common causes and provide a venue to discuss and learn about real estate industry issues, trends and opportunities. For more information, visit lincolnparkbuilders.com.

Lincoln Park Builders Real Estate Forum: Over 1,000 real estate professionals gathered at Theater on the Lake in Lincoln Park on Nov. 16, 2023, for the 34th annual Lincoln Park Builders of Chicago Real Estate Forum.

Lincoln Park Builders Real Estate Forum Impact Award_J Michael Drew: J. Michael Drew (right), founding principal of Structured Development, received Lincoln Park Builders’ annual Impact Award for his significant contributions to the growth of the city of Chicago.

Lincoln Park Builders Real Estate Forum_Panel Discussion: Steve Fifield, founder and CEO of Fifield Companies, moderated a panel discussion titled “City of Neighborhoods – Challenges, Opportunities and What’s to Come.” Participants included J. Michael Drew, founding principal of Structured Development; Corey Oliver, CEO of Strength in Management; Frank Campise, principal at JAB Real Estate; and Matt Garrison, CEO of R2 Companies.