The Chicago Association of REALTORS® will induct real estate developer James (Jim) D. Letchinger of JDL Development into its Hall of Fame on September 24, 2021, at the 138th Inaugural Gala.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, Letchinger founded a lighting and design studio, which introduced him to the real estate world. In 1993, he founded JDL Development. As of 2021, JDL has delivered more than 1,900 residential units, with another 2,900 in different stages of development.
Letchinger began his career with the conversion of 210 E. Walton Street, a 1940’s Benjamin Marshall building, transforming 21 apartments into five unique residential condominiums. He quickly earned a reputation as one of Chicago’s most creative and respected residential developers, focusing on vertical, urban development.
In 2019, Letchinger completed No. 9 Walton, the most expensive and exclusive collection of condominiums ever developed in Chicago. Currently, he is working on his newest vertical oasis, One Chicago, a pair of boutique luxury lifestyle buildings in River North.
“Jim Letchinger’s love for Chicago is evident through every aspect of his work,” 2020 Chicago Association of REALTORS® president Nykea Pippion McGriff, Coldwell Banker Realty, said. “He dreams big, and, as a result, has made his mark on the Chicago skyline. We are honored to welcome him into our Hall of Fame this month.”
“Jim doesn’t take no for an answer. Because of this, he’s created groundbreaking buildings across Chicago that consistently break the mold,” 2020 Chicago Association of REALTORS® Foundation chair Tammy Hajjar Miller, The Federal Savings Bank, said. “He has an uncanny ability to anticipate what his clients want before they even know, and has grown with them to meet their home and lifestyle desires.”
Letchinger’s successful career makes him deserving of a spot in the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Hall of Fame. Established in 1986, this honor celebrates those professionals with truly outstanding contributions to the real estate industry. Induction is extended to individuals whose leadership and accomplishments soar above and beyond the ordinary. Character, accomplishment, reputation and contribution to business, culture and the environment are all necessary attributes for the Hall of Fame.