A legendary Chicago ballroom and venue for black musical acts, Bronzeville’s Forum has no lack of historical currency. But the century-old building was nearly demolished in 2011 as it searched for a new owner. Developer Bernard Loyd saved the building, hoping to convince investors to buy into his $25 million redevelopment plan. At first, Loyd was limited to wealthy investors because of a federal securities law that classified ‘accredited investors’ as having at least $1 million in net worth. However, changes in federal securities law in May created a new class of small investors. Loyd wants to raise $100,000 on a new platform for small investors called Wefunder. He hopes the new regulations will encourage people to develop on the South Side....
Steele Consulting Group won six Good Neighbor Awards at the annual Chicago Association of REALTORS ceremony for its innovative and inspiring developments. Additionally, RE/MAX Premier Properties agent Hasani Steele took home the Top Renovator award for the first time in the residential and multi-unit construction category. Steele works with developers to provide real estate services from conception/design and development to pre-sales. "These awards really speak to the members of my team. Everyone who works at SCG puts in a lot of effort and believes in my vision," said Steele. "The extra efforts made in perfecting our designs sets us apart." Thank you to all our developers and supporters for your commitment. Take a peek at our 2016 Good Neighbor Award winners below: [metaslider id=24082] Steele Consulting Group...
Walk along the new South Side lakefront trail and you may run into a hive that looks like Frodo Baggin’s dwelling in Lord of the Rings. However, these dome-shaped structures woven from willow branches weren’t made for dwarfs, but for butterflies and birds. Artists commissioned by the Field Museum and park district created wildlife sanctuaries, which range from a couch-like structure to a West African-inspired bird statue. Nature sanctuaries can also be incorporated into urban areas, according to Hasani Steele of RE/MAX Premier Properties. The Steele Consulting Group will focus more on landscaping in restorations, bringing homeowners closer to nature. The trail extends from McCormick Boulevard to 47th Street and was opened to the public on June 18. Between the Canadian...
Call him the modern renaissance man. A mixed martial arts fighter from Bronzeville is designing a two-story building as an art gallery and jazz lounge. Deon Steward, 35, says 3513 S King Drive will serve artists, especially teens in the community, when it opens in mid-July. Steward will use the building to showcase some of his paintings and host weekly jazz sessions where he will perform. Steward recalled his own struggle to find room to experiment with art as a kid. He hopes residents will use his building to explore art and display their creativity. "The Steele Consulting Group is inspired by innovative, outside-of-the-box ideas," said Hasani Steele of RE/MAX Premier Properties. "The incorporation of local youth is admirable and I'm...
WOODLAWN- The Renew Woodlawn Homeownership Program is transforming Woodlawn into Chicago’s destination for urban living. Community members and local politicians celebrated the first home closing under the program on May 14. Renew Woodlawn provides incentives such as grants and down payments for homeowners interested in buying and redeveloping Woodlawn properties. The community effort comes amid greater interest in the neighborhood, which features historic architecture at affordable prices says Hasani Steele, who attended the ceremony. The RE/MAX broker and CEO of Steele Consulting Group has the most listings in the neighborhood according to real estate website Zillow. “Renew Woodlawn lets people know, now is the time to buy and make great appreciation in the homes you purchase,” says Steele. “Woodlawn is...
HYDE PARK — A 40-minute long line snaked outside of Whole Foods during grand opening day on June 22. The organic food store, located in City Hyde Park at 5118 S. Lake Park Ave, is the anchor tenant of the $114 million development. Marshalls and Michael’s will join the 30,300-square-foot Whole Foods as occupants of City Hyde Park. Whole Foods's arrival in Hyde Park is the result of a citywide revitalization campaign said Hasani Steele, CEO of Steele Consulting. "The highly anticipated Whole Foods is a significant milestone in the overall effort in bringing in commercial anchors to the community," Steele said. Whole Foods celebrated the opening with gift cards ranging from $5 to $50 for the first 500 customers. One customer selected at random...
WOODLAWN — Barack Obama’s presidential library could bring new life to the neighborhood of Woodlawn, according to an article in the Chicago Tribune. Woodlawn’s Jackson Park is one of two potential locations for the Barack Obama Presidential Library. According to U. of C., a presidential library in Woodlawn would rake in $220 million a year and create 1,900 permanent new jobs. The Chicago Tribune revealed Woodlawn’s potential for redevelopment, with more than 300 tracts of undeveloped land and parking lots. Most of the land is owned by the city, a neighborhood nonprofit and a megachurch. The library could revitalize Woodlawn’s former commercial center on 63rd Street and Stony Island. Community efforts to redevelop the economic hub stalled because of the...
KENWOOD — New luxury condominiums will arrive in Hyde Park and Kenwood for people wanting to own or downsize. The 19-unit building at 1400 E. Hyde Park Blvd. is on the border of the two neighborhoods. The four-story luxury condo building, led by Ranquist Development Group, breaks the mold of the mostly rental units being built in Hyde Park now, according to Chris Dillion, of Ranquist’s development partner Campbell Coyle. Dillion says the condo is within walking distance of Whole Foods, Harper Court and the lakefront. With a completion date of 2017, a two-bedroom unit will go for $394,900 and a four bedroom penthouse will cost $959,900. [DNAinfo] Steele Consulting Group works with developers to provide real estate services from...
HYDE PARK — U. of C. released design plans for Rubenstein Forum, an events and conference space overlooking the Midway. Designed by architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro, the 165-foot building consists of a wide two story base and tower. The tower includes stacked events rooms that culminate in an east-facing multi-purpose space dubbed the Lake View Room. Rubenstein Forum’s innovative design not only encourages discussion through its communal spaces, but also provides U. of C. much needed room to showcase Chicago’s beauty to guests. “Too often events hosted by the University are held in other parts of Chicago, and our guests are denied the opportunity to experience the intellectually dynamic and beautiful campus that we have in Hyde Park,”...
