Opening Remarks

Alderman Burnett discusses the latest projects, investments, and economic development trends shaping the neighborhood.

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  Walter Burnett, Jr.

  Walter Burnett, Jr. was born in Chicago, Illinois and his family lived in the former Cabrini Green Housing Complex. His father was the local precinct captain in the area and often took Walter with him to work the precinct; planting the seeds that would ultimately sprout into a successful political career. Burnett first ran for office in 1995 and he is presently serving his sixth term as Alderman of the 27th Ward. As Alderman, his objective to serving constituents and representing a diverse community has been about balance. He has an outstanding reputation of treating everyone fair. Burnett, after earning a Certificate in Mechanical Drafting, a Certificate in Tool and Die Design, and an Associate Degree from Southeastern Illinois College, he attended both Harold Washington College and the University of Illinois at Chicago. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University. Burnett is the Chairman of Pedestrian and Traffic Safety and a sitting member of seven committees; Aviation; Budget and Government Operations; Rules; Contract Oversight and Equity; Economic, Capital, and Technology Development; Workforce Development; Zoning, Landmarks, and Building Standards Committee. Burnett also serves on the Board of the following organizations: John Howard Association of IL., Neighbor Space, Financial Straight Talk, Choose Chicago, Northwestern University Settlement House Board, Harold Washington advisory board, CHA Alumni Association, St. Leonard’s Ministries advisory board, Family Guidance Center board, Archi-Treasures, Haymarket Center advisory board, the YMCA Youth and Government advisory board, and the Ferrer Foundation. Burnett is also a member of St. John Masonic Lodge, Shriners, and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity; and a former member of the Elks and Near North Kiwanis. Burnett is a strong advocate for affordable housing in the City of Chicago and all developments within his ward are required to have an affordable component to the project. He has developed a strong reputation as an advocate for affordable housing and continues to be a leader on this issue. Burnett was appointed Committeeman of the 27th Ward Organization by his mentor, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, (and former Committeeman of the 27th Ward) on July 6, 2013. Burnett is a member of First Baptist Congregational Church, where he serves as a Deacon; he is married to Darlena Williams-Burnett. They have two sons; Jawaharial “Omar” Williams 10th District State Representative of IL., Walter Redmond, and three grandchildren.

  City of Chicago

  Alderman, 27th Ward

  Walter Burnett, Jr.

  Alderman, 27th Ward

  City of Chicago

Creating a Modern Neighborhood

Fulton Market's hotels, offices, and apartments define a growing neighborhood. What construction, development, and design decisions drive their success?

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  Duncan Wlodarczak

  Chief Of Staff

  Onni Group of Companies

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  Alison Mills

  VP, Design & Development - Residential

  CRG

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  Zoltan Payerli

  General Manager

  The Emily Hotel Chicago

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  Lauren Bauer

  Lauren manages commercial ground-up construction projects and teams for Skender, a premier construction firm with an impressive Fulton Market and West Loop portfolio that includes 919 W Fulton, 345 N Morgan, and 609 W Randolph – three of the last five office towers built in Chicago. With over 10 years of experience and a civil and environmental engineering degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Lauren’s expertise in steering large, complex projects to successful completion and delivering exceptional value for clients is firmly established.

  Skender

  Senior Project Manager

  Lauren Bauer

  Senior Project Manager

  Skender

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  Marc Besteman

  Senior Manager, Great Lakes

  Industrious

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  Matt Wilke

  With nearly 20 years’ experience working in the development and construction industry, Matt blends his leadership, energy, entrepreneurship, and team building acumen with a healthy balance of micro and macro management across all businesses under the LG Group umbrella to create lasting value for the company and clients we serve. As COO, Matt is constantly pushing and challenging his teams. His oversight of all company operations, including all phases of the development process, ensures exceptional output while maintaining unparalleled culture and opportunity. Externally, Matt connects with clients, partners, architects, and investors to ensure LG delivers for all involved. Matt grew up in Naperville, Illinois and graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management. If not enjoying his home in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago with his wife and three young children, Matt can be found enjoying the outdoors, often skiing, golfing, hiking, or fishing in Sawyer, Michigan and Big Sky, Montana.

  LG Group

  Chief Operations Officer & Partner

  Matt Wilke

  Chief Operations Officer & Partner

  LG Group

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  Sandya Dandamudi

  Sandya Dandamudi is President of GI Stone, located in Chicago. Founded 28 years ago by her mother Rani Dandamudi, GI Stone is WBE/MBE certified, a signatory to Union Local 21, and a vital employer. Sandya’s deep knowledge of stone and her “get it done” attitude has propelled GI Stone as the leading stone company in Chicago. GI Stone is unique in its versatility by executing both Exterior and Interior work – With an impressive resume that includes buildings such as 9 Walton, One Bennet Place, The Ritz Carlton, The Four Seasons Hotel, Wolf Pointe, The Tribune Tower, Northwestern Outpatient hospital, The Northwestern Kellogg’s School of Business parking garage, One Chicago Square etc. – there is not a project that GI Stone cannot do. Sandya is also on the Board of the Chicago Marble Contractor’s Association and is an active participant in contract negotiations. She is actively engaged in mentoring, sponsoring, and training apprentices for The Marble Setters Union-Local 21. She has a personal commitment to encouraging individuals who do not have a traditional background in the construction industry. As a child of immigrants, Sandya understands what the American Dream is about – her parents realized it and she and her two siblings have greatly benefited from their years of hard work. This family drive has led to her conviction that everyone deserves to participate in that dream. Sandya has an unwavering interest in assuring the existence of services that support emotional health, access to nutritional food and promoting self-expression and identity. She also believes that through the medium of the Arts, lies a powerful medium that needs to be valued and is active in promoting artistic expression in disenfranchised youth.

  GI Stone

  President

  Moderator

  Sandya Dandamudi

  President

  GI Stone

The Past and Future of Fulton Market

The history and next steps for Chicago's fastest growing area as told by those who made it so.

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  Adam Pines

  Adam began his real estate career in 2016 as a Tenant Representative at JLL, hustling to support transactions and procure new business across the greater Chicago area. In 2019, Adam joined WeWork’s Enterprise sales team, where he represented the coworking behemoth’s global portfolio to brokers throughout the Midwest. His experience working within divergent corners of the industry has shaped his uniquely holistic perspective on the end-to-end lease transaction process. He joined Madison Rose in 2020, bringing with him a devout sense of optimism and commitment to delivering the highest possible level of service. Adam is an experienced woodworker, former DI college football player and volunteer with the Anti-Defamation League. He received a BA in Psychology from Indiana University.

  Madison Rose

  SVP

  Adam Pines

  SVP

  Madison Rose

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  Madison Perdue

  General Manager

  Soho House & Co

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  Paige O'Neil

  President and Managing Broker

  Shapack

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  Jessica Brown

  Jessica is responsible for office and retail leasing across Sterling Bay’s portfolio, including securing high-profile tenants in prominent Chicago projects such as 110 N Carpenter, Fulton West, 333 N Green, Prudential Plaza, 600 W Chicago, 330/360 N Green, 1200 W Carroll and all of Lincoln Yards. Jessica has served as an integral member of the team specializing in the overall asset redevelopment strategy, lease negotiation and retail placemaking of the company’s assets. Prior to joining Sterling Bay in 2015, Jessica worked at CBRE on the Urban Retail Team. Jessica earned a BBA from the University of Wisconsin - Madison and is an active member of ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) and WIRL (Women in Retail Leasing).

  Sterling Bay

  Principal

  Jessica Brown

  Principal

  Sterling Bay

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  Alex Najem

  Founder & CEO

  Fulton Street Companies

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  Michael Fishman

  Michael T. Fishman is Vice Chairman of Greenberg Traurig’s Chicago office. Michael focuses his practice on real estate, real estate finance, private equity and real estate fund formation. His clients include institutional investors, investment advisors, public and private real estate companies, REITs and financial institutions. Michael has worked to form domestic and cross-border real estate funds and joint ventures, and regularly represents lenders on real estate projects throughout the United States and globally. In addition, he has experience with mezzanine finance, mortgage finance, lease finance and loan defeasance transactions. Michael regularly advises clients with regard to the acquisition, disposition, leasing and management of multi-family, industrial, office, retail and hotel properties in the United States and globally.

  Greenberg Traurig

  Vice Chairman Chicago

  Michael Fishman

  Vice Chairman Chicago

  Greenberg Traurig

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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