Focus’ Christine Kolb Speaks at Event for Local Government Hosted by Holland & Knight

Focus’ Associate Vice President of Development, Christine Kolb, joined a panel of local industry leaders to discuss topics including market trends, the state of residential housing and the importance of collaboration between developers and community officials last week in Ravinia, IL.

“Despite record suburban supply, absorption has kept pace and demand remains strong for well-located, well-designed multifamily housing,” said Kolb. A recent and relevant example of suburban success can be found in Focus’ Atworth at Mellody Farm, which was executed alongside Regency Center’s development of the Mellody Farm Shopping Center in Vernon Hills. The success Vernon Hills enjoyed at Mellody Farm was highlighted by the panel as the result of the right combination of well-designed community building and municipal cooperation. The collaboration between the City of Vernon Hills and the development’s partners resulted in an innovative and strong solution to suburban mixed-use development, and will act as an economic driver for the community for years to come. “Support from elected official and municipal staff is key to executing these projects,” said Kolb, “Adding appropriate, right-sized density to suburban locations will attract residents, support local retail, and help the community’s sales tax basis.”

Christine was joined by Peter Eisenberg of Clark Street Development, Matt Hendy of Regency Centers, and Rich Tucker of Tucker Development. The panel addressed an audience which included over 250 municipal leaders including elected and appointed officials as well as staff from nearly 30 Chicago communities and suburbs.

To learn more about suburban development and the success at the Atworth at Mellody Farm, reach out to Focus today.