Creating Vibrant Destinations: An Immensely Satisfying Experience
For more than three decades, I’ve worked in the world of real estate, buildings, and places. While I’ve enjoyed every facet of the industry, what I truly find most meaningful is the immense satisfaction that comes from taking a project from an initial concept through the analysis to determine its feasibility, establishing an implementation strategy, and ultimately creating vibrant destinations.
Navigating the World of Developing Public Places
With a background in architecture and business, I’ve had the privilege of working on significant projects in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. Over the course of my career, I’ve overseen development projects from inception to completion, and it is this experience that has given me a real appreciation for the importance of understanding the purpose and vision for each project. Understanding the vision is a key part of charting the path forward for clients and being able to assist them in navigating the inevitable challenges that arise in the development of complex and important projects. It is this understanding and ability to navigate the complexities of developing publicly important projects that we bring to all our projects at Hunden Partners.
Our Work is Grounded in Reality
The foundation of our work at Hunden Partners is our ability to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies grounded in the realities of the market and location. We serve a wide range of clients from municipalities and other governmental entities to not-for-profit corporations to private developers. These studies provide a critical foundation, offering insights into the economic viability of projects. But our real value is the ability to help our clients take what is feasible, develop and implementation strategy, and navigate the path from vision to reality.
A Well-Conceived Vision Can Improve People’s Lives
One of the most fulfilling projects I’ve had the privilege of leading was the creation and implementation of the Centennial Vision, the master plan for the redevelopment of Navy Pier in Chicago. It is incredibly satisfying to walk the length of the Pier seeing the smiles of individuals and families from all of Chicago enjoying the city, the lake, and the diverse attractions and activities at the Pier—and, most importantly, each other’s company. These simple expressions of joy remind me of the importance and value of the hard work that it takes to create an authentic, vibrant place and the impact that such a place has on a city, its economy, and its people.
The Art of Bringing Visions to Life
At Hunden Partners, our work goes far beyond preparing feasibility studies for our clients. We are trusted advisors who guide our clients through the complex process of real estate development. From helping to shape to a project’s vision, evaluating its economic viability, providing insight into available sources of financing, creating an implementation strategy, and collaborating to assemble the right team of architects, planners, contractors, and development partners necessary to bring a complex project to fruition, we are there every step of the way. Our goal is to breathe life into a new destination, to make it more than just a master plan or rendering. It’s a real place that has a lasting impact, uniting the communities we serve and enhancing the lives of those that experience it.
Vision, Possibility, and Creating a Real Place
It is my belief that a project shouldn’t falter just because its next step is uncertain. If a project is financially feasible and a community is committed to the project’s purpose and vision, there is a way to move forward. What’s truly exciting about what we do is working with our clients through the entire life of a project from kick-off meeting through project opening and seeing the impact that the project has on the people and community for which it was built. While a feasibility study and master plan are foundational parts of a project, what is most impactful is a fully implemented project and the creation of a place that forges lasting connections and has a positive impact in neighborhoods across the country.
So the next time you find yourself walking along the version of Navy Pier in your hometown, take a moment to truly experience the joy those buildings and places bring to your life and your community. But recognize that buildings are more than just bricks and mortar and places are more than just the space between buildings; together, they make the public places that give meaning to our daily experiences.