I grew up on the south side of Chicago, and I have so many childhood memories specifically in Pullman. It was where my Aunt Patty lived, where our family went to church and where we held many milestone celebrations.
There’s one beloved place that particularly stands out to me: the Hotel Florence. Now a Pullman State Historic Site, the Hotel housed my siblings’ and my First Communion brunches and—most notably—my tenth birthday brunch, which was preceded by a sleepover at my aunt’s house. Among the cherry woodwork and stained-glass windows, the halls were filled with laughter and fond moments.
For those of us who grew up in Chicago, our neighborhoods hold more than history. They invoke feelings of nostalgia so much so that iconic places like Hotel Florence end up making an impact on our lives. I recently went back to the Hotel Florence with my son and later one of my cousins, and we were able to take pictures in the exact same spot we had decades ago!
As a mother, these lifelong memories are what I’m trying to create with my son, Broyce. We currently live in Humboldt Park, where we are fortunate enough to experience a variety of street festivals, locally owned restaurants and stores and more. Our family makes every effort to embrace our neighborhood’s traditions and create traditions of our own.
As REALTORS®, you help our residents do more than just find homes; you help build these neighborhoods and communities. Your impact helps to create core memories for families all over the city.
Don’t lose sight of the fact that your work makes a difference in your clients’ lives. You’re doing more than just selling homes, you’re helping families create memories that will last a lifetime.
MICHELLE MILLS CLEMENT, FASAE, CAE, RCE
Chief Executive Officer
Chicago Association of REALTORS®