It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our esteemed founder and leader, Daniel Levin. 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 on a daily basis.
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. His vision, dedication, and passion for creating positive change will continue to inspire us as we navigate the path forward.
Mr. Levin took pride in many things; however, none more important than his family, relationships, and his career as a developer. One of his first jobs was as a lawyer at a small firm 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 was a catalyst for his venture into the real estate world.
In 1971, Mr. Levin founded Habitat to manage a series of ambitious housing projects totaling 25,000 units across several states, including a 28-acre urban renewal project, South Commons, on Chicago’s South Side. Over the years, Mr. Levin has shared that Habitat’s growth wasn’t something he envisioned when he embarked on its first endeavor; he simply wanted to be in the housing business, do good work, and be sensitive to the need for housing at all levels.
His philosophy was to treat every resident with the same level of commitment regardless of their means and to remember that every project is not simply an investment in real estate but an investment in the future of the neighborhood and the lives of its residents. More than 50 years have passed since our founding, and while we now work across various property types, Habitat’s people-first approach has always remained the same.
Mr. Levin was an admired mentor and a generous leader who gave freely of his time, knowledge, and trust. As the visionary behind Habitat, he prioritized building solid connections that fostered meaningful relationships and exemplified unwavering commitment to integrity and ethical decision-making. His principled approach emphasized that doing the right thing is paramount, regardless of public opinion. His legacy is a beacon of ethical leadership for others to follow.
As we come to terms with the loss of Mr. Levin, we reflect on the enduring effect he has had on all of us. The lessons he shared and the values he instilled will guide us as we move forward, ensuring that his impact endures in the positive changes we bring to the communities we serve. The entire team at Habitat is committed to upholding Mr. Levin’s vision and perpetuating his legacy of a leader who believed in making a difference in the lives of those we touch.
While our founder and chairman is no longer with us, we’re committed to continuing his legacy that has guided us for more than 50 years, shaping who we are today. As we navigate this loss, we look ahead to the opportunities that await. Our focus on growth and progress will continue to drive us forward. Together, we’ll honor his memory by embracing the future with the same passion and dedication Mr. Levin instilled in us.
1971: The Habitat Company is founded.
1977: Habitat expands its service offerings, opening a brokerage division.
1980: Habitat Founder & Chairman, Daniel Levin, and Limited Partners, develop East Bank Club, Chicago’s largest fitness and social club.
1985: Habitat develops the 2,300-unit Presidential Towers property in Chicago.
1998: Habitat acquires a large-scale condominium division in Detroit, expanding its footprint.
2010: Habitat’s Community Development Group manages more than $10 million in capital projects for the Atlanta Housing Authority.
2016: Habitat creates Generations Housing Initiatives, a nonprofit dedicated to providing social services for affordable housing communities.
2020: Habitat develops Ogden Commons, a mixed-use, mixed-income property as part of Chicago’s Invest South/West Initiative.
2022: Habitat breaks ground on two key projects: 43 Green Phase I in Bronzeville, Chicago’s first Equitable Transit-Oriented Development (ETOD), and Cassidy on Canal, a luxury market-rate community in Chicago’s Fulton River District.
2023: Habitat celebrates major milestones, including the grand opening of 43 Green East (Phase I), a corporate brand refresh, and the achievement of PUD approval for Marine Drive Apartments in Buffalo, NY.
2024: Habitat’s success continues with the grand openings of Cassidy on Canal, 43 Green West (Phase II), and OC Living Phase I, as well as the groundbreaking of OC Living Phase II. The year also marks award recognition for 43 Green, including the Chicago Neighborhood Development Award for Outstanding For-Profit Neighborhood Real Estate Project and the CoStar Impact Award for Multifamily Development of the Year in Chicago.
Looking Ahead
Habitat remains steadfast in its commitment to growth and community impact. In 2025, Habitat will break ground on LeClaire Courts and Marine Drive Apartments, while opening OC Living Phase II and achieving full occupancy at 43 Green West. These efforts are a testament to the enduring foundation Mr. Levin built and the bright future that lies ahead for Habitat.
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