The real estate market is growing every day, and more people are investing in properties. Here’s a look at the top 10 real estate developers in Chicago, one of the largest cities in the U.S., who are making a lasting impact on its growth.
10. Fortress Home
Fortress Home takes care of the entire real estate development process without relying on outside contractors. Their team is made up of skilled experts who handle everything from installing steel structures and window frames to crafting wooden floors.
With experienced in-house carpenters and top-notch structural steel specialists each with over a decade in the industry they take pride in delivering high-quality craftsmanship. Because they manage every step of the process themselves, they can confidently stand behind the quality of their work.
But experience alone isn’t what sets Fortress Home apart. They believe that knowledge without care wouldn’t have gotten them to where they are today. They’ve spent years listening to buyers, understanding what makes a home feel safe and comfortable.
By working efficiently and using the latest technology, they create homes built to last offering great value without cutting corners. And if you ever wonder how much they believe in their work, just know that their own family home was built with their own hands.
Ongoing Projects
- 2342 W Adams St
- 2149 W Belmont Ave
Completed Projects
- 2646 W Augusta Blvd
- 2219 W Lyndale St
- 4840 S Dorchester Ave
- 2449 W Haddon Ave
- 934 N California Ave
- 1316 N Cleaver St
- 1420 W Chestnut St
- 1441 W Blackhawk St
Upcoming Projects
- 1540 W North, Chicago IL, 60642
9. Magellan Development Group
Magellan Development Group started as a family-owned, Chicago-based developer in the year 1996 and has since grown into a national real estate powerhouse. Specializing in mixed-use hotel, residential, and office developments, the company has expanded its reach to cities across the U.S., completing 35 large-scale projects worth over $8 billion.
Some of its most recent high-profile developments include the St. Regis Hotel and Residences in Chicago, a dual-branded Thompson & Tommie hotel with a multifamily component in Austin, and the W Hotel in Nashville.
Magellan is a full-service development company with in-house design, legal, and construction management teams, ensuring high-quality execution while minimizing development risks. Over the years, the company has built a reputation for innovation, integrity, and expertise.
Every project reflects a commitment to creative architecture, efficient design, and top-tier amenities. Magellan Development Group also prioritizes sustainability, works closely with municipalities to align with community goals, and focuses on creating and enhancing neighborhoods that people are proud to call home.
Projects by Magellan Development Group
- The St. Regis Chicago
- Prospect Union Square
- USQ
- Millie on Michigan
- Sienna at The Thompson
- Cirrus
- Cascade
- Aqua
- W Nashville
- Gio Midtown
- Midtown Five
- The Gallery on Wells
- The SoBro
- Exhibit on Superior
Awards
| Year | Award |
| 2010 | Property Excellence Award |
| 2010 | Community Amenities Award |
| 2010 | Best Large Structure Award |
| 2009 | Agents Choice Awards- Favorite eco-friendly project |
| 2009 | Property Excellence Award |
| 2008 | Best of Chicago Award in the Condominiums Category |
| 2008 | American Architecture Awards |
| 2007 | Best Amenities |
| 2007 | Good Neighbor Award |
| 2003 | AlA Chicago Lerch Bates People's Choice Awards by public vote in the Tall Building category |
| 2002 | Received Gold Awards in Best Development & Design: High-Rise category, and Best Amenities category |
8. Focus
Focus promised the Village Board an upscale residential development with resort-style amenities, and they didn’t disappoint. With the completion of “The Atworth at Mellody Farm”, they’ve delivered exactly what they set out to create.
The Atworth features beautifully upgraded kitchens and top-tier amenities, including a pool, bocce ball courts, and outdoor grilling areas, offering residents a high-end living experience.
With a proven track record, Focus previously completed the mixed-use building at Vernon Hills Town Center in 2010, and once again, they’ve developed a community that residents can be proud of. Their multi-disciplinary team blends experience with integrity, ensuring each project is built with both expertise and care.
Featured Projects
- 808 Cleveland
- Everleigh Vernon Hills
- Lucca Fox Valley
- Hawthorn Apartments
- 167 Green Tenant-Ready Suites
- 401 Michigan Avenue, Suite 625
- Atrio Apartments
- Sephora at Hawthorn Row
7. Noah Properties
With nearly 25 years of experience and over 500 completed projects, Noah Properties has built a reputation as one of Chicago’s most trusted developers of high-style single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and rental properties.
Noah Properties has helped beautify streetscapes with its thoughtfully designed homes while also transforming overlooked neighborhoods. Noah Properties has played a key role in reshaping the city’s landscape by redeveloping neglected commercial and industrial areas into thriving residential communities.
Now a fully integrated real estate firm, Noah Properties handles everything from land acquisition and design to construction and property management. Their innovative, efficient approach not only accelerates sales but also delivers high-quality homes with exceptional value and personalized service for owners and residents alike.
Completed Projects
1. 142 Church Road, Winnetka Illinois
- 5 Beds | 7 Bath
2. 399 Woodlawn Avenue, Glencoe, IL 60022
- 5 Beds | 4.5 Bath
3. 921 Sheridan Road, Glencoe IL 60022
- 6 Beds | 6.5 Bath
4. 598 Birch Street Winnetka, Illinois
- 4 Beds | 4 Bath
5. 841 Foxdale Avenue, Winnetka, Illinois, USA
- 4 Beds | 5 Bath
6. 768 Foxdale Avenue, Winnetka, IL
- 6 Beds | 5 Bath
Current Listings
- Encore Luxury Apartments
- The Grove Townhomes
- The Grove Apartments
- Prospect Place
- River Grove Station
- The Avondale Townhomes
- 619 Wayland Avenue
6. CEDARst
CEDARst is a real estate company that does it all—development, construction, management, and hospitality—delivering top-quality spaces with a focus on community and design. Their expertise lies in creating smart, well-thought-out living spaces that not only serve residents but also enhance the neighborhoods around them.
With a vertically integrated approach, CEDARst develops residential properties across the U.S. and was one of the first to bring micro-unit multifamily housing to Chicago, recognizing the demand for stylish, high-quality apartments at an affordable price.
Their entire portfolio operates under the FLATS® brand, ensuring a consistent experience across all properties. By combining thoughtful design, hospitality-driven service, and a strong sense of community, FLATS® properties stand out from the competition and redefine what urban living can be.
CEDARst Projects
- Chicago, IL - The Draper
- Vancouver, WA - The Miller
- San Diego, CA - The Nash
- Las Vegas, NV - The Myles
- Miami, FL - Little River, Miami
- Minneapolis, MN - The Duffey Lofts
- San Diego, CA - The Nash
- Miami, FL - Little River, Miami
- Minneapolis, MN - The Duffey Lofts
5. Sterling Bay
For more than 30 years, Sterling Bay has been redefining real estate with its bold, innovative approach. Whether developing life sciences labs, luxury apartments, or corporate headquarters, the company focuses on thoughtful design and a hospitality-driven experience.
One of its most notable transformations took place in Chicago’s Fulton Market. While others saw an aging refrigerated warehouse in a former meatpacking district, CEO Andy Gloor saw potential. He acquired the property with a vision to turn it into Google’s Midwest headquarters—a plan that paid off when the building sold for 21 times its original price.
Today, Sterling Bay has grown into a team of over 150 professionals, responsible for creating award-winning urban headquarters for major companies like McDonald’s, Dyson, and BCG. With $20 billion in real estate development in the pipeline, the company continues to shape skylines and set new standards for modern urban spaces.
Featured Projects
- The Elizabeth at 225 N Elizabeth
- 1840 N Marcey
- The Dylan at 160 N Morgan
- Heritage Square
- Lincoln Yards
- The Steelyard at Lincoln Yards
- Millie at 300 N Michigan Ave
- 2100 North Southport
4. Related Midwest
Related Midwest, the Chicago office of Related Companies, is one of the most innovative and active real estate developers in the U.S. For more than 30 years, the company has built best-in-class city centers, residential communities, mixed-use developments, and affordable housing, all led by some of the most respected names in Chicago real estate.
With deep expertise in acquisitions, finance, architecture, design, construction, marketing, sales, and leasing, the company’s senior leadership brings decades of experience to every project. Backed by substantial financial resources, Related Midwest is able to take on developments of any size or complexity, using its scale to negotiate better costs, reduce expenses, and optimize management practices.
The company’s portfolio includes everything from affordable and workforce housing to high-end rentals and for-sale residences, as well as hotels, office developments, and mixed-use spaces. By blending these elements with green spaces and thoughtfully designed public areas, Related Midwest creates vibrant, dynamic communities that enhance the urban landscape.
Featured Projects
- The Row Fulton Market
- One Bennett Park
- 500 Lake Shore Drive
3. The Koleno Group
Since 2016, Steve Koleno has established himself as one of the top listing agents in the U.S., closing over 4,800 MLS rental and sales listings. He holds the unique distinction of being the only known Realtor® to close more than 1,200 MLS listings in a single year for both rentals (1,253 in 2016) and sales (1,643 in 2021).
He is currently licensed in ten states, including Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
A highly accomplished real estate advisor, coach, and strategist, Koleno is recognized as a visionary in the residential real estate industry. With expertise in acquisitions, dispositions, construction, asset management, property management, leasing, and strategic planning, he has built a reputation for success. His drive, industry knowledge, and innovative approach continue to set him apart as a leader in the field.
Featured Properties for Sale
- 91 Iroquois Dr
- 322 Costanera Rd
- 6060 A1a St
- 1310 Peninsular Rd
- 8701 Collins Ave #804
- 35140 County State RD 52
- 138 Gaiters Dr
2. Emily Sachs Wong
Emily Sachs Wong is a leading name in Chicago’s luxury real estate market. Since launching her career in 1998, she has built a reputation as one of the city's top agents, specializing in high-end homes across Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, River North, Lakeview, and Bucktown/Wicker Park.
Consistently ranked among Chicago’s top 10 agents, Emily is a go-to advisor for CEOs and tech leaders who value her innovative approach, sharp marketing strategies, and deep industry knowledge.
Emily’s success is rooted in her dedication to clients, strong work ethic, and exceptional communication skills. Known for her integrity and strategic negotiation, she has successfully closed hundreds of high-end transactions in all types of market conditions. With a business built primarily on referrals and repeat clients, she continues to foster lasting relationships in the industry.
Beyond her sales achievements, Emily stays ahead of market trends, frequently speaking at real estate events and participating in industry panels. Her expertise, professionalism, and client-first approach make her the trusted choice for buyers and sellers in Chicago’s luxury market.
Featured Listings for Sale
- 2026 N Kenmore Avenue
- 2334 N Cleveland Street
- 460 W Huron Street
- 2210 N Orchard Street
- 1970 N Burling Street
- 1856 N Mohawk Street
- 401 W Dickens Avenue
- 1913 N Burling Street
- 56 W HURON Street Unit: PH
- 159 E WALTON Place Unit: 18A
1. Brennan Investment Group
At Brennan, the philosophy is simple: to have a good partner, you need to be one. This belief drives everything the company does, shaping its commitment to exceptional service and lasting relationships.
Clients trust Brennan to bring them strategic opportunities, execute them seamlessly, and work alongside them to make smarter business decisions. That trust is never taken for granted—Brennan puts its partners first at every step, ensuring a smooth, transparent, and results-driven experience.
By staying true to this partner-first mindset, Brennan delivers value that goes beyond just financial returns, building strong, trusted relationships that stand the test of time.
Brennan Investment Group Projects
- 100 Paragon Drive
- 112 Industrial Rd
- 18 Boulden Circle
- 1800-1872 Brummel Ave (Bldg 7)
- 2 Lukens Drive
- 2000 S. 25th St
- 2150 Dolton Road
- 21540 Kraus Loop
- 2411-2415 N Santa Fe Ave
- 315 Tanner Price
- 3800 Golf Road
- 415 Rankin Circle North
- 435 School Lane
- 500 Northbelt
- 5100 West 73rd St