Related Midwest Receives “Outstanding Real Estate Developer of the Year” Award

African American Contractors Association recognizes firm for commitment to community

(CHICAGO) April 2, 2013 – Related Midwest is proud to announce the firm received the “Outstanding Real Estate Developer of the Year” award from the African American Contractors Association (AACA) at the organization’s 20th Annual Membership and Awards Reception. The event, held March 27 at the Marmon Grand in Chicago, was attended by local construction industry leaders, dignitaries and community supporters.

Don Biernacki, senior vice president and head of construction at Related Midwest, accepted the award on the firm’s behalf. “Related Midwest is proud to support the AACA and its membership and we’re honored to be recognized with this prestigious award,” Biernacki said. “We share the AACA’s commitment to the development of African American contractor businesses in this industry, and are proud to have partnered with a number of excellent firms in our work in Chicago. We look forward to continuing these relationships and forging news ones through our portfolio of current and future projects.”

In addition to Related Midwest’s long-standing support of the AACA, the award acknowledges the company’s past work in Chicago with small and disadvantaged African American firms, including subcontracting with construction, engineering and materials supplier companies on successful large-scale projects throughout the city. Most recently, Related Midwest has subcontracted with several African American contractors on South Loop Luxury by Related and Parkway Gardens.

“Small and minority-owned businesses play an incredibly important role in Chicago’s economy as well as the local construction industry,” said Curt Bailey, president of Related Midwest. “As one of Chicago’s most active real estate developers, we’re pleased to be able to work with organizations like the AACA, and we’re eager to provide additional opportunities for the firms they support.”

About the AACA
Established in 1989, the mission of the African American Contractors Association (AACA) is to advocate for small and disadvantaged African American businesses. The AACA serves as an advocate for members in matters involving city, state, federal and other municipalities within the African American Community. These businesses are contractors, trades persons, professional service providers and vendors. The AACA will also provide business development training and technical assistance to our members. For more information, visit http://www.aacanatl.org.

About Related Midwest
Related Midwest, the Chicago office of Related Companies, is the preeminent Chicago developer of luxury condominium and rental homes, affordable housing and unique mixed-use properties since 1988.  Recognized for its innovative, market-defining developments, Related Midwest creates properties of enduring value such as 340 on the Park, the first LEED-Silver residential tower in the Midwest. Currently the most active player in Chicago development, Related Midwest has two ultra luxury rental high-rise developments totaling more than 1,000 residences under construction at 500 North Lake Shore Drive (opening Spring 2013) and 111 West Wacker Drive (opening Summer 2014). The firm is also presently marketing South Loop Luxury by Related, three marquee South Loop condominium properties, and One Evanston, one of Evanston’s fastest selling condo developments. Among Related Midwest’s successes in the downtown Chicago area are The Residences on Lake Shore Park (comprising 840 Lake Shore Drive, The Pearson, and The Belvedere), the Park Hyatt Hotel and Park Tower Condominiums at 800 N. Michigan Avenue, and 340 on the Park at 340 E. Randolph Street. For more information, visit http://www.relatedmidwest.com.

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