A team of Blue Demons took first place at a 2020 virtual real estate competition. (Image courtesy of Steve Bell)Earlier this quarter, a group of undergraduate students from the Driehaus College of Business took first place at this year's virtual Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation Real Estate Challenge. The Blue Demon team, consisting of Mark Solak, Alex Hernandez, Vincent Casambre and Greg McLellan, is now eligible to earn a scholarship and utilize the foundation's education program, including mentorship, job and networking opportunities.
During the competition, groups are given a high profile development or redevelopment project in the Chicago area. Teams then go head-to-head in developing a plan that constitutes a comprehensive analysis and plan to maximize the potential of the property from both a financial and feasibility standpoint.
"We are excited a team of our real estate students has won this prestigious challenge," says Steve Bell, a clinical professor of real estate in the Driehaus College of Business and advisor to the winning team. "They worked on this project tirelessly for several months to put together an outstanding competition submission. They applied much from their academic real estate studies, but also consulted with industry experts and adapted last minute to work and present while practicing social distancing."
In addition to real estate education, scholarship and career development, the HEEF is dedicated to advancement of gastrointestinal cancer research, medicine and care. The foundation partners with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in these efforts.