CommercialForum Power Lunch: Repositioning Chicago’s Megaproject

Chicago’s Lincoln Yards was once one of the most ambitious mixed-use developments in the country – spanning multiple sites, billions in projected investment and a vision to reshape the North Branch corridor. But like many large-scale developments, it faced real-world challenges around financing, infrastructure costs and shifting market conditions.

Today, the project is evolving. With new leadership and a reimagined approach under JDL Development, portions of the site are moving forward as Foundry Park – a more phased, market-responsive development strategy.

Join CommercialForum for a candid conversation with developer Jim Letchinger, Founder and CEO of JDL Development and a 2021 Chicago Association of REALTORS® Hall of Fame inductee, an honor recognizing his outstanding contributions to Chicago’s real estate landscape.

In this session, Letchinger will share his vision for Foundry Park and insights from stepping into a complex, high-profile project midstream. This session will explore what changed, what was learned and what it takes to reposition a large-scale development in today’s environment.

This is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at:

• Why the original Lincoln Yards structure became difficult to execute

• How financing, entitlement and infrastructure realities shape development decisions

• What it looks like to break a megaproject into feasible phases

• How developers evaluate risk, timing and opportunity in today’s market

This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from a developer navigating one of Chicago’s most talked-about projects and what it signals for the future of large-scale development.

Space for this virtual event is limited.

By registering to participate in this event, you hereby acknowledge and consent that The Chicago Association of REALTORS® (and their assignees) may record you during the event and may use those recordings for the Association’s purposes, including but not limited to news, publicity and fundraising purposes, without further compensation to you. All such recordings are the sole property of the Association.

Professional recordings intended for commercial purposes without prior written authorization from association leadership are strictly prohibited. Learn more about the association’s Professional Recording Policy.

The Chicago Association of REALTORS® is committed to creating a safe and inclusive experience for our community and providing a friendly and welcoming environment for all. We do not tolerate harassment in any form. Please act professionally and follow our Code of Conduct at all Chicago Association of REALTORS® events. Do you require special accommodation? If so, please identify any special accommodation by emailing events@chicagorealtor.com at least one week prior to the event date.

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