James "Jim" McShane, CEO, The McShane Companies was honored on December 1, 2016 at the Twenty-Second Annual ULI Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award Dinner. The Urban Land Institute’s Chicago District Council (ULI Chicago) annually recognizes an industry leader who has had significant influence in the growth and development of Chicago’s real estate community, as well as pursues positive civic, charitable, and philanthropic endeavors.
"Jim’s demonstrated leadership, influence, and high ethical standards represent the best of the best in Chicago commercial real estate," remarked David Friedman, President, Conor Commercial Real Estate and Host Committee Co-Chair, 22nd Annual ULI Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award. "His honesty, dependability and focus on giving back to others formed the foundation of The McShane Companies over three decades ago and continues to be a hallmark of our national operation today. I cannot think of a more deserving recipient of this prestigious honor than Jim McShane."
Since founding The McShane Companies 32 years ago, Jim McShane has consistently guided with innovation and an innate understanding of the industry. His leadership has propelled the company, an integrated real estate development and construction firm, to achieve recognition and success on a local, regional, and national level. Additionally, Mr. McShane invests his time leading a variety of professional and philanthropic organizations, including Concern Worldwide U.S., a global humanitarian organization that helps those living in the world’s poorest countries to achieve lasting improvements in their quality of life, where he serves as Vice-Chairman.
The criteria for the award is a lifetime of professional, personal and civic commitments to the real estate profession and to the Chicago community at large. Nominations are solicited from the ULI membership and a Lifetime Jury is convened to identify the recipient. Jim McShane joins an accomplished list of past recipients, including: Marshall Bennett, Marshall Bennett Enterprises; the late Bernie Weissbourd, Metropolitan Structures; the late Charles H. Shaw, The Shaw Company; the late Richard J. Brown, Cambridge Homes; Lester Crown, Material Service Corporation; the late William A. Alter, The Alter Group; Edward R. James, Edward R. James Partners, LLC; the late Kenneth J. James, Kenneth James Builders, LLC; the late Matthew Bucksbaum, General Growth Properties, Inc.; Richard A. Stein, Mesirow Stein Real Estate, Inc.; Stuart L. Scott, Jones Lang LaSalle; Douglas Crocker II, Equity Residential; Robert A. Wislow, U.S. Equities Realty; Norman R. Bobins, LaSalle Bank Corporation; Richard A. Hanson, Mesa Development, LLC; James R. Loewenberg, Magellan Development Group; John S. Gates, Jr., PortaeCo, LLC; John A. Buck, The John Buck Company; Eugene Golub, Golub & Company LLC; Penny Pritzker, U.S. Department of Commerce; Neil G. Bluhm, JMB Realty Corporation and Walton Street Capital, LLC; and Lynn C. Thurber, LaSalle Investment Management.
"We are honored to recognize Jim with this prestigious award. His impact on the Chicago real estate industry and his dedication to giving back to the larger community represents all this award stands for," said Doug Lyons, Managing Principal, Pearlmark Real Estate; ULI Trustee and Governor; and Chair, ULI Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award honors individuals who embody the spirit and mission of ULI. The proceeds from the Awards event support the many community outreach programs and initiatives coordinated by the Chicago District Council.