Lamar Johnson Collaborative

35 E Wacker Drive Ste #1300
Chicago, IL, 60601

Most of the much needed developed or rehabbed housing in Chicago are not Low-Income Housing Tax Credit investments and not in the West Loop. They are in the neighborhoods managed by small to mid-sized developers! This luncheon panel discussion features three small to mid-sized developers leading housing developments across Chicago. Moderated by Wrought Iron Partners' owner Tania Kadakia, this panel discussion will explore the future of housing development in Chicago, innovative approaches to increasing housing in the city, and the primary obstacles to building in Chicago.  

About The Speakers

Malek Abdulsamad, Director, Greenstone Partners

Malek Abdulsamad is the founder of MAS Ventures, a local development firm, and Director of Investment Sales at Greenstone Partners. With a background in architecture and urban planning, he specializes in development, adaptive reuse, and multifamily investment in Chicago. He also serves on the board of directors of several civic organizations including Lambda Alpha International (LAI), the Chicago Central Area Committee (CCAC) and the Streeterville Neighborhood Organization (SOAR).

AJ Patton, CEO & Founder, 548 Enterprises

AJ Patton is the founder and CEO of the 548 platform, where he leads businesses and initiatives spanning clean energy, real estate development, and workforce development. His work focuses on building scalable projects and organizations that create economic opportunity, expand access to clean energy, and drive meaningful investment in underserved communities.

Cristina Gallo, Architect & Owner, Via Chicago

Cristina Gallo is an architect, developer, and co-founder of Via Chicago, a Chicago- and Panamá-based architecture studio working across residential, multifamily, and neighborhood-scale development. With a background in both architecture and real estate, Cristina increasingly works on the developer side of projects as well—using design, zoning, permitting, and construction expertise to identify overlooked opportunities for incremental housing and small-scale infill in Chicago.  

About the Moderator

Tania Kadakia, Founder & Owner, Wrought Iron Partners

Tania Kadakia is the founder of Wrought Iron Partners, co-founder of Common Brick Development and a Commissioner of the Chicago Plan Commission.  Tania Kadakia brings decades of expertise in shaping high-impact community and affordable housing developments. Known for her ability to navigate complexity, structure sophisticated capital stacks, and lead diverse teams through every phase of development, she is widely regarded as a trusted advisor and thought leader.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

MEMBER SUPPORT FUND

The LAI Chicago Region Chapter Member Support Fund is available to members who serve nonprofit organizations, public agencies, academic institutions, or those who in a professional employment transition to help offset the cost of attendance at chapter events and membership dues. The goal of the fund is to make Chapter events and activities more accessible and encourage attendance and engagement. In some instances, guests of members may also be eligible to receive these funds.