30 years of suburban Chicago real estate development experience sets Focus apart

Since 1993, Focus has been developing and constructing world class buildings in and around Chicago. 

Over the last 30 years, the firm and its team of developers and builders have delivered nearly 30 multifamily developments in 14 different suburban Chicago communities. Made up mostly of architects, the Focus team has built a track record of success, and a portfolio of unique communities each with its own design which respects the context of the community around it. This emphasis on design and careful community consideration has earned the firm a reputation for quality and craftsmanship. 

This long history makes Focus one of the most prolific and successful developers in suburban Chicago. Since its founding, the team at Focus has delivered over 4,000 multifamily units across various Chicago suburbs. In total, Focus has built over $1.8 billion in real estate value across Chicagoland suburbs. 

As no two Focus projects are alike, the below offers a sneak peek into the variety of the firm’s portfolio and the care taken to respect the needs of the community through every Focus development. 

Focus' suburban Chicago development experience includes the redevelopment of Hawthorn Mall.

The Domaine at Hawthorn Row is the first phase in the redevelopment of Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills, IL. In this first phase of mall redevelopment, Focus added a new luxury apartment community with 311 luxury rental units which sit atop 54,000 SF of new ground floor retail space. The new “Hawthorn Row” main street helps reimagine the shopping center further by directing traffic into the mall proper. 

The mixed-use development offers best-in-class amenities in a walkable environment. Featuring a mix of modern rental units ranging from studio apartments to 3-bedroom residences, from 600 – 1,330 SF, apartment interiors are well-appointed. Featuring 9-foot ceilings, plank style flooring, quartz countertops, tile back splashes, and in-unit washers and dryers. Units also address the recent shift in remote-working trends and offer a work-from-home area with a built-in desk.

The community also features a superior amenity package including a double-height lounge, private dining room with parlor, game room, two-story gym, pet spa, and outdoor terrace with swimming pool, sundeck and grilling stations.

Completed in 2023, the Domaine at Hawthorn Row is the first proof point that a walkable, live-work-play environment through mall redevelopment drives values. The Domaine is currently achieving a 26% rental premium on the market. 

The Link Evanston is a suburban multifamily community for students and more. 

The Link Evanston is a 280,000 GSF mixed-use building offering ground floor retail and 242 apartments. Units ranging from studios to three-bedroom units average between 390 and 1,150 SF. Designed by bKL Architecture, the building has a brick-and-metal panel façade. Most rooms offer views of downtown Evanston or Lake Michigan. The building’s 3,300 SF of retail space is occupied by a 7-Eleven.

The outdoor amenity space features a pool and multiple seating areas as well as a fully outfitted fitness center and yoga studio. Additionally, a fully equipped and generously sized social lounge is available for residents’ use.

The Link Evanston is walking distance from the Foster “L” station, Northwestern University’s campus, and Evanston’s downtown shopping and dining district. It is also easily accessible from two additional “L” stations as well as the Metra and CTA bus stops in the area. 

Occupied by many students of Northwestern University, the Link rented in record time and is currently fully occupied. Like the Domaine, the Link also demands a premium rent as compared to the market and is currently leasing at 25% above the market rent. 

Kelmscott Park was a development masterplanned for success in Chicago Suburb, Lake Forest.

Kelmscott Park is a masterplanned community in downtown Lake Forest and includes a mix of apartments, condominiums and single family homes. 

Kelmscott Park Apartments introduced the first luxury rental product to the Lake Forest market. With condominium-quality unit finishes and architectural style indistinguishable from the neighboring condominiums, the apartments provide an exclusive outlet for significant pent-up demand, especially in such a convenient downtown location. Residents enjoy a 3,744 SF amenity clubhouse with onsite management and leasing offices, residential lounges and entertainment areas, an exterior patio terrace and an underground garage that connects all three apartment buildings. 

In 2020, Focus sold the KP Apartments for $480,000 per unit a record-setting sale for Chicagoland.

Together, these are just a few examples of Focus’ long history of developing high quality, premium achieving multifamily real estate properties in the Chicago suburbs. As the prolific Chicagoland suburban real estate developer, Focus has the experience to deliver unique properties which respect community context which enables positive returns for our partners. To learn more about Focus’ experience as a suburban Chicago real estate developer and general contractor, please contact us today.