The real estate development industry in Illinois embraces a fine blend of companies uniquely equipped to feasibly and legally acquire, rehabilitate, resell, or rent properties. These companies, ranging from family-owned businesses to large enterprises, delve into commercial, residential, and retail real estate sectors, underscoring a broad and dynamic marketplace. They meticulously plan and finance real estate projects, ultimately culminating in the creation, renovation, and utility transformation of existing structures. Moving forwards, Illinois' property development industry is anticipated to enthusiastically embrace sustainability principles, digital technology, and strategic location selection, thus setting forth a new standard in the American real estate landscape.


Top 23 real estate development companies in Illinois

1. Highland Ventures, LTD

Highland Ventures Ltd is a company that strategically grows its footprint through the acquisition, development, and investment in retail and office real estate markets. They currently own and operate over 650 properties across 21 states. With a focus on entrepreneurialism and motivated individuals, they are the largest owner and operator of Marco's Pizza franchises.


2. Draper and Kramer, Incorporated

Draper and Kramer, Incorporated is a property and financial services company with over a century of experience in real estate. They build communities and serve clients with proven results backed by market insights, sound strategies, and deep-rooted industry knowledge. They offer investment management, property management, development, commercial finance, and residential mortgage services.


3. The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc.

The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies, Inc. is one of the nation's largest commercial real estate and finance groups. They specialize in creating, developing, and supporting member companies that provide commercial real estate-related services and alternative investment funds.


4. Core Spaces

Core Spaces is a company that specializes in the development, acquisition, and management of high-quality residential and commercial properties. They offer innovative living and working spaces that are designed to enhance the overall lifestyle and productivity of their customers.


5. Sterling Bay

Sterling Bay is a real estate development company that sets the new standard in the industry. They build powerful, provocative, and personal spaces that reimagines how people interact with their surroundings. Their portfolio includes creative office spaces, life sciences campuses, residential buildings, and retail establishments.


6. Urban Retail Properties

Urban Retail Properties is a privately held commercial real estate investment and operating company based in Boca Raton, Florida. They offer investment, development, property management, leasing, and accounting services in the shopping center industry. With over 40 years of experience, they provide their clients with a team of highly experienced senior employees and executives for financial evaluation.


7. Trilogy Real Estate Group

Trilogy Real Estate Group is a privately held real estate investment and property management firm specializing in multifamily apartments and commercial real estate. With over 18 years of experience, Trilogy has successfully invested in real estate assets valued at over $4 billion. They source and manage outstanding properties in major markets across the United States on behalf of their investment partners.


8. Brennan Investment Group

Brennan Investment Group is an industrial real estate firm focused on acquiring, developing, and operating industrial properties.


9. Golub & Company

Golub & Company is a leading real estate development and investment firm with a rich history of managing investments across the U.S. and Europe. They specialize in commercial, mixed-use, and multifamily properties, with a portfolio valued at over $10 billion. With a focus on design and construction excellence, they prioritize attention to detail and respect for people and communities.


10. Cullinan Properties

Cullinan Properties is a leading provider of real estate services specializing in commercial and mixed-use developments and acquisitions. They are known for owning, operating, and developing distinctive projects while crafting winning relationships with business partners and communities.


11. Magellan Development Group LLC

Magellan Development Group is a residential and commercial real estate development company. With a strong reputation for excellence, they have successfully developed over 11,000 residential units and more than $8 billion worth of projects. Their portfolio includes high-rise buildings such as The Park at Lakeshore East and Aqua at Lakeshore East.


12. Regency Multifamily

Regency Multifamily is a real estate investment and development company that strives for excellence and creates value for their residents, colleagues, investors, and communities. With a focus on integrity, respect, and commitment to excellence, they offer quality apartments with superior amenities and strong client relations. They have a team of leaders with decades of real estate knowledge and experience, dedicated to finding innovative solutions and making the company more competitive.


13. Bridge Industrial

BRIDGE is a real estate operating company and investment manager specialized in the development and acquisition of industrial properties in supply-constrained core markets in the U.S. and the U.K.


14. Hilco Redevelopment Partners

Hilco Redevelopment Partners is a vertically integrated real estate investment and redevelopment company that reimagines, remediates, and redevelops obsolete industrial sites across the United States. They prioritize economic, community, and environmental sustainability in their holistic approach to development.


15. Hamilton Partners

Hamilton Partners is a commercial real estate development company that specializes in office, industrial, and retail properties. With almost 40 years of experience, they are known for their unwavering devotion to quality development and service. From site selection to the final landscaping touches, they pay attention to every detail in the development process. Hamilton Partners offers ready-to-move-in spaces and focuses on sustainability in their projects.


16. Glenstar

  • Website: glenstar.com
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Glenstar Properties is a vertically integrated commercial real estate firm specializing in industrial, office, and residential properties. They leverage their experience to build value and create exceptional environments. With a hands-on approach and a commitment to partnership, Glenstar is a leading force in shaping the future of real estate.


17. Foresite Realty Partners, LLC

Foresite Realty offers comprehensive real estate services, specializing in the acquisition, development, and management of commercial properties. With expertise in property valuation, leasing, and investment strategies, we provide tailored solutions to maximize returns for our clients.


18. Hearn

Hearn is a real estate investment company that specializes in owning and operating commercial properties in the United States. With a focus on adding value to its investments, Hearn offers a range of services including leasing, management, construction, and consulting. Since 1974, Hearn has been building success in the real estate industry.


19. Shodeen Group

  • Website: shodeen.com
  • Headquarters: Geneva, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 1961
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • LinkedIn

Shodeen is a family-owned company specializing in residential and commercial real estate development in the Chicago area’s fast-growing Fox Valley region.


20. Midwest Industrial Funds

Midwest Industrial Funds is a national real estate investment company specializing in the development and acquisition of industrial properties. With a focus on strategic markets throughout the United States, the company leverages local market relationships to identify and pursue select investment opportunities. Founded in 2003, Midwest Industrial Funds has completed over 90 industrial property projects, totaling more than 75 million square feet of transactions.


21. Conor Commercial Real Estate

  • Website: conor.com
  • Headquarters: Rosemont, Illinois, United States
  • Founded: 2012
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn

Conor is a commercial real estate company that creates opportunities for stakeholders. With 30 years of experience, Conor develops industrial, office, multi-family, and healthcare properties that are built for efficiency, safety, and economic impact. The company prioritizes trust and relationships to deliver returns for investors and sustainable economic growth for communities.


22. Tri-Land Properties

Triland Properties is a company that specializes in investment properties and real estate development. They offer a range of investment opportunities in commercial and residential properties.


23. L.J. Sheridan & Co.

L.J. Sheridan & Co. is a full-service boutique commercial real estate firm based in Chicago, specializing in office properties. They offer brokerage, property management, and development services.


Want to find more real estate development companies?


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