
Daniel Levin, founder and chairman of Habitat, a leading Chicago-based multifamily developer and manager, died Jan. 11. He was 94.
One of his first jobs was as a lawyer in Detroit, where he represented the Chicago company that planned and developed Lafayette Park, designed by Mies van der Rohe. In 1957, he moved to Chicago and became involved with the firm that developed all the Mies van der Rohe-designed apartment buildings, which became a catalyst for him to enter the real estate world.
In 1971, Levin founded Habitat, which has grown to have more than $3 billion in assets and more than 10,000 units under management.
“A visionary leader, Mr. Levin was instrumental in shaping the success of Habitat, and his impact extended far beyond the business realm to positively influence the communities he built and the thousands of lives he touched—from residents living in a Habitat building to team members, colleagues, friends, and family he interacted with daily,” said Habitat president Matt Fiascone in a statement. “As we reflect on Mr. Levin’s legacy, we are reminded of his unwavering commitment to excellence and the profound mark he left on our organization since its founding in 1971. His vision, dedication, and passion for creating positive change will continue to inspire us as we navigate the path forward.”
In 1987, Levin and Habitat were appointed receiver of the Chicago Housing Authority scattered-site housing development program by the U.S. District Court in Chicago. In that role, Habitat oversaw the revitalization of nearly 2,800 public housing units citywide.
Other firm highlights include the establishment of Generations Housing Initiatives, a nonprofit dedicated to providing social services at affordable housing communities, in 2016. In 2022, Habitat broke ground on 43 Green Phase I in Bronzeville, touted as Chicago’s first equitable transit-oriented development.
In October, the firm celebrated the grand opening of OC Living, a 92-unit mixed-income community within the $200 million Ogden Commons mixed-use project in Chicago. It also broke ground on OC Living Phase 2, the community’s second residential building that will also provide a mix of affordable and market-rate housing to the community.