A family name, built into every project.
The JR in our name stands for legacy and continuity. It is a promise that what we build is meant to last.
Our story
Chicago Roots
WILLISJR began in Chicago, building a residential portfolio on the South Side and in the south suburbs, and contributing construction work to the Bronzeville Lakefront redevelopment and learning the business from the ground up.
Houston Expansion
In 2025 the firm launched its Houston building department to develop ground-up residences in one of the country’s fastest-growing markets.
First Ground-Up Program
602 Gregg Street is the firm’s first ground-up residence, with a second home of the same design following next door.
The Vision
A full-scale platform that develops, builds and owns low-rise, mid-rise and high-rise real estate, and manages a growing portfolio of assets for its partners.
Twenty-year roadmap
We grow market by market, entering each one with a proven product, an established trade network and the discipline of the market before it.
Chicago, IL
WILLISJR Companies founded and headquartered in Chicago, where its rental portfolio was built.
Houston, TX
Building department launched. Ground-up residential development underway.
Florida
Target expansion into Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Tampa.
Los Angeles, CA
Target entry into the Los Angeles market.
Future markets and timelines are targets and forward-looking statements, subject to change.
The companies
WILLISJR Companies operates through affiliated companies, each focused on one part of the development lifecycle.
WILLISJR Development
Acquisition, design management and delivery of residential projects.
Willis Construction Group
Construction management, trade procurement and site operations.
W Capital
Investment structuring, partner relations and project-level reporting.
Leadership and team
A focused team across development, design, contracts, finance, compliance, technology and events.
Joseph Willis Jr.
Joseph founded WILLISJR Companies in 2023 after building a residential portfolio on Chicago’s South Side and in the south suburbs. He leads the firm’s development strategy, capital relationships and expansion into Houston.
Full biography- Dmytro SubbotaLead Architect
- Adam SirvolskiContracts Administrator
- Safdar AliFinance & Accounting
- Gina WillisCompliance
- Ali OjiIT Director
- Lisa HarrisEvents Coordinator
- Cathy WilliamsAccounts Payable
Technology & Systems
IT, data security, cloud infrastructure, document control and digital operations are managed in-house across every company in the group.
Professional partners
Great projects are assembled by great teams. We look for long-term relationships with firms that hold themselves to our standard.
Architects & Engineers
Architecture, structural, civil and MEP firms ready to design repeatable residential and mixed-use product.
Become a Design Partner →Attorneys & Advisors
Real estate, securities and tax counsel, accountants, brokers and capital advisors.
Connect With Us →Corporate Partners
Employers and operators seeking build-to-suit, employee housing or joint development.
Explore a Partnership →Chicago
3520 S Morgan St
Chicago, IL 60609
Houston
2802 Timmons Ln #22494
Houston, TX 77027