Overview

Focus is a real estate developer operating at the intersection of design, construction, and financial expertise. Our vertically integrated approach uniquely aligns development and construction to create places and spaces for people to experience a better life.

Values

At Focus, our values are as much a part of our practice as our competencies. These values guide how we interact with each other as a team, how we go about our work, and how we work with clients.

Teamwork

Together, we have a collective ego. We maintain a commitment to results. We’re open to suggestions and accept change. We are observant, and recognize the contributions of others.

Ownership

For each project, we think and act like the owner, taking initiative by making something ours and running with it.

Energy + Energize

We exert a positive attitude and aim to energize others. We’re excited and passionate about our work. We believe in the mission of the company, and the methods through which we pursue it.

Client Focus

We respond to and understand our clients’ needs, and are always honest in both our communications and our actions.

Building Community

We invest in relationships. We show mutual respect to one another. We manage relationships and resolve conflicts, and welcome new team members and make them feel at home.

Integrity

We act with honesty and always do the right thing. We don’t blame others. If there are problems, we confront these problems and seek resolutions. 

Awareness + Acceptance

We practice anti-racism and strive to be an ally. We’re compassionate listeners who respect differences in lived experiences, and create opportunities for all people to contribute and be heard.

Our History

Founded in 1993 by CEO Tim Anderson, Focus has consistently delivered high-quality, beautiful buildings that blend seamlessly into the context of the existing architecture.

With its multi-disciplinary team of professionals spanning development, construction, and investments, the company has earned an exceptional reputation for credibility and competency. Our portfolio includes multiple record-setting development sales in Chicago and the greater Chicagoland area, and milestone projects in Miami and St. Pete’s in Florida.

Focus offers real estate investments, development, and construction services across the United States. For more information, please contact us.

  • 1993

    CEO Tim Anderson founds Focus and launches its first project: The Laurels, in Lake Forest, IL.

  • 1996

    Focus delivers its second project: 811 Chicago, in Evanston, IL.

  • 1999

    Committed to enhancing community from the start, Focus delivers one of the first green roofs in Chicagoland.

  • 2005

    Focus expands its offerings and begins to deliver large, mixed-use communities including Church Street Station and Sherman Plaza in Chicagoland.

  • 2008

    During the global financial crisis, Focus begins offering general contracting services to external parties.

  • 2011

    Through diversification, Focus delivers restaurants, entertainment venues, and value adds as well as multifamily projects.

  • 2013

    Completion of 1717 Ridge in Chicagoland, Focus’s first luxury apartment product.

  • 2017

    Focus sells The Parker in Fulton Market for the highest per-unit sales price in Chicago for the year.

  • 2018

    Focus launches its GP investment fund, exponentially growing its development capacity.

  • 2020

    Relying on extensive placemaking experience, Focus is the first to begin large mall redevelopment projects in Illinois.


    Focus sells Kelmscott Park in Lake Forest for $484,000/unit, a record price for Chicago suburbs.

  • 2023

    Focus begins regional expansion targeting opportunities in the Southeast.

  • 2026

    Focus celebrates the groundbreaking of its first Florida project: a 517-unit high rise in Miami’s Brickell submarket.

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Team

Clients

  • AEW

  • AIMCO

  • Bayview

  • Castlelake L.P.

  • CBRE

  • Centennial Real Estate

  • CIBC

  • City of Aurora

  • City of Evanston

  • CRG

  • Cullen Construction Management

  • Fifield

  • Heitman

  • Henry Crown and Company

  • Lou Malnati's Corporation

  • QuadReal

  • Quarterra

  • Sagard Real Estate

  • Shapack

  • Soul City Church

  • The Taxman Corporation

  • Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield

  • Walker Dunlap

Focus has been a trusted partner across several large-scale mall redevelopments, each with complex phasing and execution challenges. Their team consistently brings a thoughtful, design-forward perspective that elevates every project. What stands out most is their professionalism and the caliber of their people—time and again, they’ve been instrumental in delivering A+ assets and helping shape the future of our portfolio.

Edmund Donaldson, Affinius

You learn a lot about an organization when you partner with them on multiple projects in a relative short span of time. We have worked with the Focus team on several high-profile apartment developments in the last five years. In all instances Focus’s performance has been excellent. From meeting timely schedules to providing a top-quality end product all while coming in on-budget. Focus delivered time and again. The accounting, reporting and project oversight is always professional as is the communication with their clients.

Construction projects can certainly test the limits of collaboration and coordination between parties and Focus delivers here as well. Any difficulties that are encountered they are quick to find solutions and quickly resolve any issues. We have enjoyed our working relationship with Focus and look forward to more opportunities to work together with them.

Andrew Aaronson, Vice President of Atlantic Residential

Working with Focus on transactions like 1221 West Washington has reinforced why they’re such a respected partner in the market. They approach every deal with a strong sense of fiduciary responsibility and a level of transparency that builds trust quickly. Combined with their proven track record for investment success, they are a group we’re always confident bringing to the table.

Pete Evans, Berkadia

We’ve had the pleasure to work with Focus to source and structure complex capital stacks for high-profile projects like 125 SW 8th Street in Miami. Their investment team consistently identifies compelling opportunities and executes with precision. They are collaborative, reliable, and a partner we trust to deliver strong financial outcomes.

Jeff Altenau, Cushman and Wakefield

Focus’ construction management team has delivered outstanding results across multiple projects, including a recent design-build for Tesla that came in under budget and ahead of schedule. Their execution speaks for itself given their proven track record.

Matt Hendy, Fort Union

Focus has been a great partner for us across the full development life cycle at Porter in Oak Park, IL.  Their development and construction management teams successfully navigated customary challenges of building in a 4 season, urban infill environment and we continue to appreciate their thoughtful and collaborative approach to asset management.

Brad Nichols, Geolo

Focus has been a long-term partner of JLL across multiple debt and equity financings in the Chicagoland area. Their team consistently creates high-quality investment opportunities and approaches each transaction with discipline, integrity and enthusiasm. They take their financial responsibilities seriously and have delivered strong returns for many of our clients.

Matthew Lawton, JLL

Our work with Focus on the multi-phase redevelopment of Fox Valley Mall has been an excellent experience. Their team has successfully delivered multiple ground-up residential communities while maintaining a high standard of financial performance. They are a disciplined, world-class partner.

Jeffrey Staffeldt, Pacific Life Insurance Company

Focus has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the redevelopment of Hawthorn Mall, successfully delivering one phase and positioning two additional multifamily and townhome phases for success. Their team approaches every investment with rigor and accountability, consistently delivering strong outcomes for their financials partners.

Stephanie Reynolds, Principal

Focus played a critical role in the success of Mellody Farm, bringing deep residential expertise that helped shape a truly walkable, mixed-use environment. The project continues to perform at the top of the market—a testament to the quality of their work and long-term vision.

Nick Wibbenmeyer, Regency Centers

The Carlyle Group has partnered with Focus on four multifamily development projects in the Chicago market over the last seven years. While each deal presented its own set of complexities and challenges, Focus delivered on time and on budget in every case. Led by Tim Anderson, the Focus team is a pleasure to work with day in and day out. Carlyle looks forward to our next investment opportunity with this top tier developer and contractor!

Brian Nelson, Vice President of the Carlyle Group

Focus approached the Porter development with a high level of care and respect for Oak Park’s historic character. They navigated a complex approval process thoughtfully, listened to community concerns, and ultimately delivered a project that aligns with the Village’s housing goals. It’s a meaningful addition to our community.

Craig Failor, Village of Oak Park

Across multiple projects, including the Atworth and the redevelopment of Hawthorn Mall, Focus has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to public-private partnerships. They take the time to understand community priorities and work collaboratively to achieve outcomes that benefit everyone involved.

Kevin Timony, Village of Vernon Hills

Focus has been an outstanding partner on 167 Green in Fulton Market. Their collaboration and expertise across development, construction, and management have been instrumental in delivering a world-class, next-generation office asset. They bring a level of consistency and quality that’s difficult to match.

Stephen Sotoloff, Walton Street Capital

Focus has been a trusted financial partner to Wintrust across many projects over the years. Their team approaches our relationship with integrity and a strong sense of accountability. They consistently deliver on their commitments, which is why we continue to work together.

Bart Johnson, Wintrust
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