The Future of Chicago's Multifamily Market

Exploring migration trends, emerging neighborhoods and market predictions

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  Andy Ahitow

  Prior to founding City Pads LLC, Andy Ahitow was the founder of Chicago Apartment Finders (“CAF”), a company he grew to 5 locations with 150+ employees. During his helm at CAF, Andy formed a development partnership with Marc Realty Residential (“MRR”) where as Director of Development, he oversaw the construction of approximately $338M of real estate value. He also expanded CAF into property management to manage the rapidly growing portfolio. The success of CAF was recognized by Coldwell Banker and in September 2015 Andy sold the company to pursue and focus on his own development projects. Following the sale, City Pads LLC was started with the vision of developing residential properties that match his own personal attention to detail with forward thinking projects that combat the demand of modern renters looking for convenience, style and value. In the 4 years since its conception, City Pads has acquired and developed 15 developments worth approximately $111M in real estate value. Andy is responsible for overseeing all operations of the company’s growth and current $111 million portfolio.

  CityPads

  Founder

  Andy Ahitow

  Founder

  CityPads

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  Yale Dieckmann

  Managing Director

  Greystar

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  Trevor Ryan

  Trevor Ryan serves as Marquette’s Chief Financial Officer. With a robust background in real estate appraisal and finance, Trevor joined Marquette in 2004. During his tenure, he has identified and executed many successful acquisitions, dispositions, and new business opportunities. Trevor works to unite the various divisions of Marquette Companies for a more cohesive and efficient organization, with a focus on identifying and financing advantageous investment opportunities and managing seamless individual and portfolio strategy plans. He works closely with Marquette’s private capital partners and investors. Trevor is a licensed Real Estate Broker and holds a Business Economics degree from Miami University Ohio.

  Marquette Companies

  Partner & Chief Financial Officer

  Trevor Ryan

  Partner & Chief Financial Officer

  Marquette Companies

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  Jennifer Hoover

  Jennifer is a Managing Partner, Chief Operating Officer and a member of Highgate’s Investment Committee. She is responsible for the firm’s asset management and portfolio operations. She oversees the execution of the firm’s portfolio and asset level strategy, which includes managing all third-party property management relationships, overseeing capital improvement projects and executing property-level business plans. Prior to Highgate, Jennifer was a Vice President at Stockbridge Capital Group, where she was responsible for the firm’s $600 million Southeast and Midwest multifamily portfolio. Jennifer also served as an Asset Manager and Deputy Portfolio Manager for Capri Capital Group, and began her career with Jones Lang LaSalle and LaSalle Investment Management. Jennifer holds a B.S. in Building Construction from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a M.B.A. from Emory University. She has received several awards including “Emerging Leader in Multifamily” from Real Estate Forum, “40 Under 40” from the Robert Toigo Foundation, and in 2021 was selected as a “Rising Star” by CREW Chicago. She is a board member for Jetty Financial Services’ Real Estate Advisory Board and she is a board member for Amalgamated Bank of Chicago.

  Highgate Capital

  Managing Partner & COO

  Jennifer Hoover

  Managing Partner & COO

  Highgate Capital

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  Kinjal Patel

  Kinjal Patel, as Executive General Manager, heads the Midwest construction business. He is responsible for leading Lendlease’s midwest business operations, pursuing new business ventures, fostering relationships across multiple business sectors, and forging new partnerships for Lendlease. Throughout his 22-year career, Mr. Patel has held numerous management positions with escalating responsibilities. Previously, having served as General Manager, Construction, Vice President/Principal-in-Charge, he oversaw Lendlease’s residential, mixed-use and commercial sectors for the Chicago Office. Over the course of his career, Mr. Patel has supervised and managed construction projects in the greater Chicago area. His specialty is bringing large scale, logistically complex, multi-phased programs – requiring the coordination of several team members and numerous trades – from preconstruction to construction. From a new 30-story Class A Office Tower in River North (Rivere, 450 North Dearborn) to a 30-story mixed- use tower housing two Marriott Hotels at 330 North Clark to the renovation and reconfiguration of 354 affordable residential units for Lathrop Homes, to an uber luxury 70-story condominum project at One Bennett Park, Mr. Patel has a vast range of market sector expertise. Mr. Patel earned a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois.

  Lendlease

  Executive General Manager

  Kinjal Patel

  Executive General Manager

  Lendlease

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  Chuck Hurchalla

  Chuck Hurchalla is the president of Evolution Sustainability Group. He has over 30 years of experience in the deregulated energy markets, including natural gas, electricity and petroleum products. He is considered a subject matter expert on hedging strategies and the fundamental and technical drivers of movements in the energy markets, including renewable products. In addition, he has been instrumental in helping clients develop comprehensive energy management solutions that meet or exceed energy efficiency and sustainability goals.

  Evolution Sustainability Group

  Founder and CEO

  Moderator

  Chuck Hurchalla

  Founder and CEO

  Evolution Sustainability Group

Investment & Financing in Multifamily

Strategies to combat current economic issues and maximize your investments

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  Samantha Steele

  Commissioner, 2nd District

  Cook County Board of Review

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  Matthew Katsaros

  Principal

  Wildwood Investments

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  Toney Morton

  Toney Morton is the Chief Financial Officer of Redwood Living, Inc. He oversees all financial and accounting activities. Toney joined Redwood in 2018 and has led the finance and investor relations teams responsible for the development capital stack, as well as the corporate FP&A function. He and his teams are largely responsible for capital raising, banking and investor relationship management, financial budgeting and forecasting, and ad-hoc corporate development support for other executives and key shareholders. Toney’s dedication to Core Value #4, Deliver More than Expected , and Core Value #7: Demonstrate Integrity and Authenticity, is exhibited in all he does at Redwood.

  Redwood Apartment Neighborhoods

  Chief Financial Officer

  Toney Morton

  Chief Financial Officer

  Redwood Apartment Neighborhoods

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  Samantha Miller

  Samantha is vice president and mortgage banker at KeyBank Real Estate Capital, based in Chicago. She focuses on multifamily debt originations, new business development and relationship management for real estate owners, investors and developers. Prior to KeyBank she worked in loan production at Freddie Mac. She specializes in student and manufactured housing. She is chair of mPact, the MBA's young professional board and is also actively involved in the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association and Real Estate Financial Forum. She earned her BBA in Real Estate & Urban Land Economics and Marketing from University of Wisconsin Madison.

  KeyBank Real Estate Capital

  VP, Mortgage Banking

  Samantha Miller

  VP, Mortgage Banking

  KeyBank Real Estate Capital

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  Jim Milliken

  Jim has over 10 years of experience in leadership roles within private real estate development firms and property management companies. Jim is a highly regarded leader in the real estate industry in Chicago, and he brings significant experience to his role at CLA. His previous work with a rapidly growing developer has given him the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this position. With a background in both real estate development and property management, Jim is equipped to provide clients with the specialized industry expertise they need. Jim is proficient in CLA's CAAS (Client Accounting and Advisory Services) practice, where he helps clients to outsource and enhance their accounting functions. Working alongside a team of skilled accountants, he plays a key role in optimizing and managing a wide range of accounting and finance functions for clients. Drawing on best practices from a diverse client base, Jim is able to provide clients with valuable insights and guidance to help them achieve their financial goals. Through a specialized industry approach, CLA is among the nation’s leading professional services firm offering tax, assurance, consulting, digital, and wealth advisory.

  CLA

  Principal

  Moderator

  Jim Milliken

  Principal

  CLA

The Push for Affordable Housing

Expediting the approval process, optimizing financial incentives, and increasing supply to ensure equitable and accessible housing for all

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  Matthew Fiascone

  Matt Fiascone, president of The Habitat Company, has led a full range of real estate development and investment activities for more than 30 years. Since joining The Habitat Company in 2011, Matt has been instrumental in strategizing, executing and managing capital events including development joint ventures, recapitalization of existing ventures and acquisitions. Matt has also established new relationships for both debt and equity, as well as strategic partnerships. As president he leads the creation and integration of the vision and growth of Habitat. During his tenure he has overseen the expansion of the company's footprint and assets under management with a focus on continuously enhancing the company's culture for its team members, partners and residents. Previously, Matt served as senior vice president for Inland Real Estate Development Corporation, where he originated and implemented real estate transactions involving assets valued at over $1 billion and negotiated and managed equity joint ventures. Matt serves as vice chairman of the Board of Directors of Inland Bank and Trust and is a member of Lambda Alpha (a Land Economics Honorary Society), the Urban Land Institute and the National Multifamily Housing Council. Matt has been a frequent speaker and panelist for industry events. In addition, he is a licensed real estate broker in Illinois, Florida, Wisconsin and Missouri. Matt has a bachelor's degree in business and economics from Bradley University.

  The Habitat Company

  President

  Matthew Fiascone

  President

  The Habitat Company

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  Tania Kadakia

  Tania Kadakia is Director of Partnerships and Residential Investments for DL3 Realty Advisors. Under Tania’s leadership, DL3 has won one Invest South / West RFPs in the City of Chicago’s competition for Thrive Exchange, and one 9% application for Thrive Englewood. Tania is a seasoned LIHTC and apartment developer and finance expert. Tania has run deals with LIHTC (9% and bond/ 4%), historic tax credits, New Markets Tax Credits, Section 202 Seniors, TIF and many other sources, often on the same “layer cake” deal. Prior experience includes seven years as VP/ Relationship Manager with BMO Harris Bank. She has also worked in similar positions originating LIHTC equity at NEF and Enterprise. Tania has real estate development experience, having spearheaded the Wilson Yard project for Holsten Development, a highly complex project with two separate affordable housing pieces, a Target store and several thousand feet of smaller retail. Tania enjoys riding her bike, traveling, native gardening and speaking Spanish.

  DL3 Realty

  Director of Partnerships and Residential Investments

  Tania Kadakia

  Director of Partnerships and Residential Investments

  DL3 Realty

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  John McDonnell

  Director of Multifamily Development

  Cook County Assessor's Office

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  Kyle Shoemaker

  Kyle Shoemaker, Founder and Managing Director, has worked in multi-family investment sales for over twenty years. This time spans his entire career, which committed to focusing exclusively on Affordable Housing in 2006. He started in the business working for a large, national brokerage, then, in 2013, he partnered with the principals of Senior Living Investment Brokerage (SLIB), one of the nation’s leading brokers of nursing home and assisted living facilities, to create a new boutique brokerage specifically focused on selling deed-restricted Affordable Housing. Since that time, he has directly led a team in closing over 150 transactions totaling over $650M in value. Kyle is an advocate for affordable housing, as an active member of the Institute for Responsible Housing Preservation and the National Leased Housing Council. As a Chicago-based national authority on affordable housing brokerage, he has been a frequent speaker at industry conferences, including Bisnow Multifamily Forums, Interface Affordable Housing regional events, and REJournals Forums.

  Affordable Housing Investment Brokerage

  Managing Director

  Kyle Shoemaker

  Managing Director

  Affordable Housing Investment Brokerage

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  Bernie Citron

  Bernie represents developers, land owners and building owners in the areas of land use and municipal law in the city of Chicago and its surrounding municipalities. He counsels on zoning issues, annexation, economic redevelopment and historic preservation matters. His clients have included senior citizen housing developers, hotels operators, retail developers, hospitals, restaurant developers and residential developers ranging from single-family homes to high-rise multi-family projects. His emphasis has been both in the City of Chicago and surrounding municipalities, as far afield as Waukegan and Sugar Grove. He has represented both national companies and entrepreneurial developers. In recent years more and more of his business has involved adoptive re-uses of both buildings and properties. The projects have ranged from rehabbing older office buildings into residential projects to adopting shopping centers to new uses. Many of these projects have involved various forms of economic incentives including tax credits, tax abatements and Tax Increment Financing. Bernie started his career in the City of Chicago's Corporation Counsel's Office where he was involved in land use, zoning, real estate, building code enforcement and general municipal law. Prior to law school, he practiced as an architect with the firm of Schaffer-Bonavolanta Architects, Inc. For 15 years, he served as village attorney for the Village of Vernon Hills along with providing special counsel services for various municipalities. Bernie has taught as an adjunct professor at the John Marshall School of Law, teaching Land Use Law in the Masters of Real Estate Program. He also has lectured and continues to lecture on Land Use Law and Development at the University of Illinois at Chicago, DePaul University and Illinois Institute of Technology. Along with practicing Law, Bernie is a musician and plays electric bass in various blues ensembles in Chicago.

  Thompson Coburn

  Partner

  Bernie Citron

  Partner

  Thompson Coburn

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  Eric Gould

  Eric Gould is an experienced leader with a background in both architectural design and construction cost analysis. His problem solving and creativity when it comes to project approaches allow him to build trust and develop strong client relationships. His experience aligning internal and external stakeholder objectives result in high quality project deliveries.

  Project Management Advisors, Inc.

  Senior Project Manager

  Moderator

  Eric Gould

  Senior Project Manager

  Project Management Advisors, Inc.

What A Tenant Wants: From Amenities to Tech

How to future-proof your building and address evolving tenant needs

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  Aaron Galvin

  CEO

  Luxury Living

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  Michael Israel

  Michael Israel, based in Chicago, is a prominent entrepreneur and innovation leader with deep expertise in the technology and real estate sectors. Over the past decade, Michael Israel has been at the forefront of launching and scaling disruptive startups, driving success in both software and hardware industries. His ability to innovate has made him a sought-after figure in the venture capital-backed startup community. Currently, Michael Israel holds the position of Chief Innovation Officer at Shapack Partners, a role that underscores his leadership in Chicago’s dynamic real estate market. In addition, he runs DISRVPT VENTURES, an independent consulting firm serving top-tier clients such as LG Group, Kiferbaum Development, Finalyze Capital, Mode Mobile, and Mark Cuban Companies. Michael Israel’s influence extends across various sectors, reinforcing his status as a key player in the Chicago innovation scene.

  DISRVPT

  Founder

  Michael Israel

  Founder

  DISRVPT

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  Heather Skomba

  Heather Skomba is responsible for the creative and strategic direction of all marketing initiatives for McCaffery’s development projects and operating properties as well as growing the firm’s third-party property management portfolio. Since joining McCaffery in 2014, Heather has led the lease-up, resident retention, and ongoing marketing efforts for more than 4,000 multi-family units. In 2022, Ms. Skomba co-founded McCaffery’s first-ever Culture Committee to collaboratively redevelop the company’s core values and establish a cross-functional panel to enhance employee engagement. She also spearheaded the creation of The McCaffery Way, the firm’s proprietary guide to managing commercial and multi-family assets. Heather has more than 20 years of experience in advertising and marketing and previously served as Creative Director for specialty agencies Gordon Hanrahan and CSSI. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Northwestern University and was once a contestant (and winner!) on Wheel of Fortune.

  McCaffery

  Vice President

  Heather Skomba

  Vice President

  McCaffery

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  Roger Daniel

  Roger Daniel is the founder and President of Daniel Management Group, Inc. He is also President of DMG Leasing (dmgleasing.com), the leasing division of Daniel Management Group, Inc. In these capacities, Roger is responsible for the day-to-day management and leasing of a portfolio consisting of over 2,000 units around the broader Midwest. In 2021, Roger co-founded DMG Capital (dmgcapital.com), a real estate investment firm focused on sourcing, underwriting and structuring multifamily real estate transactions. Prior to creating Daniel Management Group, Inc., Roger held various positions in multifamily leasing, property management, acquisitions, and brokerage. Roger’s work history includes roles at The Habitat Company, Village Green Companies, Northwestern Mutual Real Estate and others. Roger earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, with honors, from the University of Wisconsin. He is a licensed Real Estate Managing Broker, a member of the Chicagoland Apartment Association, a member of EUBA, and a member of the Chicago Association of Realtors.

  Daniel Management Group

  Founder & President

  Roger Daniel

  Founder & President

  Daniel Management Group

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  Maria King

  Maria is a passionate and enthusiastic sales leader experienced at curating and implementing impactful strategies that drive high client satisfaction. Capable of influencing cross-functional teams and skilled at negotiating multimillion dollar contracts, she is a dedicated people manager who excels at building successful relationships as well as effective leaders and teams. Maria makes apartments smart as a National Account Manager for ADT Multifamily. She brings with her a unique approach to clients from her experience as a multifamily real estate broker where she has earned top sales awards in the President’s Sales Club from the Ohio Association of Realtors as well as the ATLCBR Million Dollar Club. Maria’s success also draws on her corporate marketing skills from when she worked for top brands like Delta Air Lines, Coca Cola, Owens Corning and Hickory Farms. She’s been a contributor to BISNOW Southeast Multifamily articles for the past two years.

  ADT Multifamily

  National Account Manager

  Maria King

  National Account Manager

  ADT Multifamily

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  Walid Matarieh

  Walid is a Manager of Commercial Development for Xfinity. Xfinity is the multifamily arm of Comcast, serving customers such as apartments, condos, dorms and senior facilities. Walid leads the Account Executive team, with a primary focus in the City of Chicago and surrounding suburbs, working with owners and associations to provide unique solutions to meet their needs. Walid joined Xfinity in 2013 bringing nearly 20 years of telecom experience with the last 10 years solely focused on Multi-family. Walid was born in Chicago and currently lives in the south suburbs with his wife and 3 kids.

  Xfinity

  Sr. Manager, Commercial Development

  Moderator

  Walid Matarieh

  Sr. Manager, Commercial Development

  Xfinity

Living in Luxury

A look at high-end real estate market trends and performance

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  Adam Friedberg

  CEO

  Mavrek Development

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  Trina Sandschafer

  EVP, Design Principal

  Kahler Slater

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  Cory Robertson

  Principal

  Corwin Partners

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  David Wolf

  David serves as founder and CEO of Wolf Development Strategies, a firm specializing in expert-level advisory, marketing and sales executions for residential developments nationwide. Having worked on both the consultant and principle side, he is a veteran in the multifamily and condominium development space. David possesses high-level expertise in every facet of residential real estate and multifamily development – from underwriting and entitlements, design and programming, to marketing and sales executions.   Previously, David formed NRT LLC’s national Development Marketing division, which was known as ON Collaborative in 2017. He acquired ON Collaborative from NRT in 2020, subsequently rebranding it as Wolf Development Strategies. Before his roles with NRT LLC, David held dual roles at Related Midwest as president of both Related Realty, the company’s full-service residential brokerage that he co-founded in 2012, and Related Midwest Sales, the exclusive development sales and marketing arm for all Related Midwest developments.   Throughout his career, David has successfully executed on billions of dollars of asset acquisitions and dispositions. His project success spans major metropolitan markets across the U.S., and includes developments ranging from single assets to multi-phase, master-planned communities.

  Wolf Development Strategies

  Founder & CEO

  David Wolf

  Founder & CEO

  Wolf Development Strategies

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  Josh Hanna

  Josh Hanna is a real estate Partner in the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Josh focuses on complex real estate transactions including joint ventures, acquisitions and dispositions as well as financing, development, management and restructuring of real estate assets. He advises private equity sponsors, publicly traded investment firms, REITs, foreign pension funds and other institutional investors and developers in transactions involving various asset classes, including multifamily, industrial, office, hospitality and opportunity zones. Josh earned his B.A. from The Ohio State University and his J.D. from the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law.

  Kirkland & Ellis

  Partner

  Moderator

  Josh Hanna

  Partner

  Kirkland & Ellis