M & J Wilkow Overview

It is based on the philosophy that value is first created and then enhanced by the implementation of a thoughtfully conceived strategic plan. The plan spells out a series of interrelated, value-driven objectives, as well as the means for achieving them.

At the present time, the Company’s portfolio comprises 90 properties, including 25 office buildings and 65 retail properties consisting of approximately 13.9 million total square feet. The aggregate market value of the portfolio is estimated to be in excess of $3 billion.

Whether for our own account or on behalf of a client, we look for extraordinary opportunities to create value through our sound investment, redevelopment, management and leasing expertise. M & J Wilkow has successfully applied its philosophy to nearly every form of real estate in virtually every geographic and economic setting. When we are principals, our commitment is underscored by a financial stake in the investment. When we are not, our commitment is no less resolute. We still have a personal stake: our reputation.

M & J Wilkow, Ltd. was founded in 1939 by Mendel and Joseph Wilkow who, with financial support from their father Robert, got their start in the commercial real estate business by acquiring apartment buildings in Chicago, Illinois. During the 1960s and 1970s, under the leadership of Mendel’s son William, the Company expanded its business plan by acquiring shopping centers and office buildings – first in the metropolitan Chicago area and then around the country. Typically, these acquisitions would be made through single purpose investment partnerships or companies sponsored by the Company. Since the mid-1980s, the Company has been run by its two principals – William Wilkow’s sons, Marc and Clif. Marc’s son Gregg joined the Company as a principal in October 2007 after working for six years at LaSalle Bank, N.A.

During this period of time, in addition to expanding the size of its portfolio, the Company has modified its business plan once again by transforming itself from being primarily a long-term, passive investor in stabilized real estate assets to a full-service, commercial real estate company providing “value-added” services to both affiliated investment companies and third-party owners of real estate.

The competitive edge offered by M & J Wilkow is our ability to tailor and implement an asset-specific strategic plan for value enhancement by drawing from the expertise, experience and energy of our multidisciplinary team of specialists.

Accustomed to approaching real estate from an owner’s perspective, the principals believe that value is first created and then enhanced by the implementation of a strategic plan, thoughtfully conceived with interdisciplinary input from representatives of its asset management, property management and leasing groups. The plan spells out a series of interrelated, value-driven objectives, as well as the means for achieving them. Transition to the implementation phase of the process is seamless because of the collaborative effort involved in devising the plan.

While our long history of success in the real estate industry speaks well for our ability to produce tangible results, we are decidedly forward-looking. Our firm is composed of energetic professionals who are driven by enthusiasm born of dedication and hard work, and guided by the old-fashioned ethics and morality that have built our reputation.