June 5, 2025: Building Luxury, Chicago

Chicago boasts some of the most iconic skylines in the world - built and designed by some of the most iconic architects in the world. But what has those top architects’ and designers’ attention today and what do they envision as the next wave of Chicago luxury building?

Join The Real Deal and BSH for “Building Luxury: Chicago” - an evening event featuring a live panel conversation between Chicago development and design leaders on how they are leveraging design and urban planning trends towards successful developments.

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Program Agenda

6:00 pm: Doors open for networking, passed hors d'oeuvres, and cocktails.

6:30 pm - 7:30pm: "Fulton Market & Chicago’s Next Big Developments"
Speakers:
Nick Melrose, Founder & CEO, Melrose Ascension Capital
Alex Najem, Founder & CEO, Fulton Street Companies
Moderated by Sam Lounsberry, Chicago Bureau Chief, The Real Deal

7:30 pm - 8:30 pm: Networking and event conclusion.

Speakers

Nick Melrose
Founder & CEO, Melrose Ascension Capital

Nick Melrose, founder and CEO of Melrose Ascension Capital (MAC), has over a decade of institutional and entrepreneurial real estate experience spanning development, acquisitions, private equity and investment banking. Throughout his career, he has been involved in the development and acquisition of several million square feet of property valued at over $1 billion in markets nationwide. He was recently recognized by Business Insider as one of 20 professionals under the age of 35 in the U.S. who are transforming the real estate industry.

Alex Najem
Founder & CEO, Fulton Street Companies

In 2017, Alex established Fulton Street Companies, guiding its transformation from a startup to a dynamic real estate development firm. Specializing in diverse projects ranging from single-tenant retail to 500k square foot office buildings, under Alex's leadership, Fulton Street Companies has become a trailblazer in Chicago's Fulton Market neighborhood, particularly within its historic district. Alex's initiatives brought esteemed brands like Glossier and Louis Vuitton to Fulton Market, elevating it into a premier shopping destination, renowned as "the place to be" in the United States.