A development partner for cities and public agencies.
A certified, full-service development and construction team for municipalities, public agencies and community organizations.
Founded on the South Side of Chicago, WILLISJR understands that every lot sits inside a neighborhood, and that good development leaves it stronger than it found it.
A certified development partner
Certifications are held by an affiliated entity under City of Chicago, State of Illinois and Illinois Tollway programs.
Full-Service Delivery
Acquisition support, design management, permitting, construction and closeout from one coordinated team.
Infill Expertise
Experience designing and building efficient, multi-story homes on narrow urban lots.
Local Trade Engagement
An open bid process that brings local subcontractors and suppliers into every project.
Compliance and Reporting
Documented budgets, contracts and progress reporting that support grant, agency and lender requirements.
Working with municipalities
Cities, housing authorities, land banks and transportation agencies need partners who can deliver, document and comply. That is how we operate on every project.
Certified for Public Programs
Our affiliated entity holds MBE, DBE and SBSP certifications in Illinois under City of Chicago, State of Illinois and Illinois Tollway programs.
RFP and RFQ Ready
Development teams, construction capability, references and documentation assembled for public solicitations.
Infill and Workforce Housing
Efficient multi-story residential product designed for narrow urban lots and city-owned parcels.
Accountable Reporting
Budgets, schedules, contracts and participation tracking documented to public-funding standards.
Capabilities at a glance
A full capabilities statement is available on request.
- Firm
- WILLISJR Companies and affiliated entities
- Services
- Real estate development, construction management, general contracting, site work and project capital
- Certifications
- MBE, DBE and SBSP, held by an affiliated entity (Illinois: City of Chicago, State of Illinois and Illinois Tollway programs)
- Project Types
- Single-family and infill residential, low-rise residential, site and parking improvements
- Markets
- Chicago metropolitan area, IL · Houston, TX
- Past Performance
- 602 Gregg Street, Houston · Bronzeville Lakefront Phase 1, Chicago · Chicago-area residential portfolio
- Established
- 2023
- Locations
- Chicago headquarters, 3520 S Morgan St, Chicago, IL 60609 · Houston, TX
Ways to partner
Every community project is different. We adapt our role to the goals, funding and timeline of the organization we serve.
Development Partner
We lead or co-lead the development on behalf of, or alongside, your organization.
Start a Conversation Option 02Builder
Willis Construction Group builds your organization’s project under a construction contract.
Start a Conversation Option 03Joint Venture
Shared ownership structures for larger or multi-phase neighborhood programs.
Start a ConversationSubmit a project inquiry
Municipalities, public agencies, community development corporations, nonprofits and land banks are welcome to reach out.