Chicago Real Estate, Rooted in Community
Thoughtful development and investment projects that preserve character, support small businesses, and keep Chicago’s communities thriving.
Chicago Real Estate, Rooted in Community
Thoughtful development and investment projects that preserve character, support small businesses, and keep Chicago’s communities thriving.
Community Partners We're Proud to Support
From Corporate Leadership
to Community Impact
Harrington Brown, LLC is a boutique commercial real estate company founded in 2009 by David Brown, who brings 40+ years of corporate real estate experience to Chicago's North Side communities. Today, the company focuses on property investment and development projects that support local nonprofits and small businesses, with the aim of preserving neighborhood character while meeting community needs.
Ravenswood WorkCenter — adaptive reuse for artists, craftsmen, and local small businesses.
40+
Years
Corporate real estate experience
40+
Years
Corporate real estate experience
40+
Years
Corporate real estate experience
$1B+
Billions in Transactions
Managed across global markets
$1B+
Billions in Transactions
Managed across global markets
$1B+
Billions in Transactions
Managed across global markets
100%
Community Focused
North Side Chicago to Evanston
100%
Community Focused
North Side Chicago to Evanston
100%
Community Focused
North Side Chicago to Evanston
TESTIMONIALS
TESTIMONIALS
Voices from the Community
Voices from the Community
We measure our success by the relationships we build and the communities we strengthen.
We measure our success by the relationships we build and the communities we strengthen.
“I have had the pleasure of working as legal counsel for Harrington Brown LLC on several development and investment transactions on the north side of Chicago. David Brown does not take on easy assignments, has the best instincts in the business and always finds a way to incorporate community benefits into his projects. In addition to our work together on Montrose Green and Half Acre Beer Company, I gladly served as pro bono counsel on projects David managed for Common Pantry’s new facility and a major expansion of Rogers Park Montessori School."
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Andrew P. Scott
Attorney, Dykema Gossett PLLC
"I met David Brown in 2017 when he proposed redeveloping one of Evanston’s most challenging brownfield sites at Howard and Chicago. Despite environmental concerns and complex ownership, David brought patience, intelligence, and a clear, realistic vision. The result—Evanston Gateway—transformed a long-neglected site into a vibrant southern gateway for the city, delivering mixed-income housing, ground-floor retail, and on-site parking. The project earned a 2023 Gold Award from the Association of Licensed Architects and LEED Silver certification, reflecting David’s persistence, leadership, and commitment to community-focused development."
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Ann Rainey
Former Alderman, City of Evanston
"Harrington Brown LLC has invested in and developed properties in Ravenswood for more than 20 years. David Brown is deeply committed to the neighborhood—supporting local organizations like Common Pantry, donating land for the Montrose Green Community Garden, and earning a Greener Ravenswood Award from the Ravenswood Community Council. Through thoughtful, high-quality renovations, he has helped provide space for beloved local businesses while serving on the GRCC Industrial & Manufacturing Business Committee to support Ravenswood’s long-term economic vitality."
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Gene Wagendorf III
Director, Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
“I have had the pleasure of working as legal counsel for Harrington Brown LLC on several development and investment transactions on the north side of Chicago. David Brown does not take on easy assignments, has the best instincts in the business and always finds a way to incorporate community benefits into his projects. In addition to our work together on Montrose Green and Half Acre Beer Company, I gladly served as pro bono counsel on projects David managed for Common Pantry’s new facility and a major expansion of Rogers Park Montessori School."
Read More
Andrew P. Scott
Attorney, Dykema Gossett PLLC
"I met David Brown in 2017 when he proposed redeveloping one of Evanston’s most challenging brownfield sites at Howard and Chicago. Despite environmental concerns and complex ownership, David brought patience, intelligence, and a clear, realistic vision. The result—Evanston Gateway—transformed a long-neglected site into a vibrant southern gateway for the city, delivering mixed-income housing, ground-floor retail, and on-site parking. The project earned a 2023 Gold Award from the Association of Licensed Architects and LEED Silver certification, reflecting David’s persistence, leadership, and commitment to community-focused development."
Read More
Ann Rainey
Former Alderman, City of Evanston
"Harrington Brown LLC has invested in and developed properties in Ravenswood for more than 20 years. David Brown is deeply committed to the neighborhood—supporting local organizations like Common Pantry, donating land for the Montrose Green Community Garden, and earning a Greener Ravenswood Award from the Ravenswood Community Council. Through thoughtful, high-quality renovations, he has helped provide space for beloved local businesses while serving on the GRCC Industrial & Manufacturing Business Committee to support Ravenswood’s long-term economic vitality."
Read More
Gene Wagendorf III
Director, Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce
SERVICES
Investing in Chicago's Future
We bring thoughtful design, investment, and community collaboration to strengthen the neighborhoods we call home.
Investment
We buy and renovate properties across Chicago's North Side and Evanston, with a focus on preserving neighborhood character and maintaining local businesses. Our investment approach prioritizes good design, thoughtful renovation, and community preservation.
Investment
We buy and renovate properties across Chicago's North Side and Evanston, with a focus on preserving neighborhood character and maintaining local businesses. Our investment approach prioritizes good design, thoughtful renovation, and community preservation.
Investment
We buy and renovate properties across Chicago's North Side and Evanston, with a focus on preserving neighborhood character and maintaining local businesses. Our investment approach prioritizes good design, thoughtful renovation, and community preservation.
Development
Our development projects are driven by what local communities actually want and need, including affordable housing solutions. We take on developments that other firms might avoid, ensuring our neighborhoods grow in ways that benefit residents.
Development
Our development projects are driven by what local communities actually want and need, including affordable housing solutions. We take on developments that other firms might avoid, ensuring our neighborhoods grow in ways that benefit residents.
Development
Our development projects are driven by what local communities actually want and need, including affordable housing solutions. We take on developments that other firms might avoid, ensuring our neighborhoods grow in ways that benefit residents.
Advisory
Drawing on decades of experience in mergers & acquisitions, we provide brokerage services and advisory support for property listings. Our boutique approach means personalized attention and strategic guidance for every transaction.
Advisory
Drawing on decades of experience in mergers & acquisitions, we provide brokerage services and advisory support for property listings. Our boutique approach means personalized attention and strategic guidance for every transaction.
Advisory
Drawing on decades of experience in mergers & acquisitions, we provide brokerage services and advisory support for property listings. Our boutique approach means personalized attention and strategic guidance for every transaction.
Building a stronger Chicago—one block, one partnership, one project at a time.
Building a stronger Chicago—one block, one partnership, one project at a time.
Building a stronger Chicago—one block, one partnership, one project at a time.
Investment
Chicago, IL
Transforming an underutilized building into a thriving hub for makers, creatives, and small businesses in the heart of Ravenswood.
Investment
Development
Chicago, IL
38-unit mixed-use building with retail space, developed adjacent to CTA Brown Line station.
Development
Investment
Chicago, IL
Mixed-use renovation with 6 residential units and ground-floor retail space.
Investment
Investment
Chicago, IL
Facilitated acquisition of 60,000 SF historic warehouse for craft brewery expansion.
Investment
Investment
Chicago, IL
Retail repositioning to create stable neighborhood corridor for local entrepreneurs.
Investment
Development
Chicago, IL
Public-private partnership assembled site for 28 apartments and ground-floor retail.
Development
Investment
Chicago, IL
Transforming an underutilized building into a thriving hub for makers, creatives, and small businesses in the heart of Ravenswood.
Development
Chicago, IL
38-unit mixed-use building with retail space, developed adjacent to CTA Brown Line station.
Investment
Chicago, IL
Mixed-use renovation with 6 residential units and ground-floor retail space.
Investment
Chicago, IL
Facilitated acquisition of 60,000 SF historic warehouse for craft brewery expansion.
Investment
Chicago, IL
Retail repositioning to create stable neighborhood corridor for local entrepreneurs.
Development
Chicago, IL
Public-private partnership assembled site for 28 apartments and ground-floor retail.
Investment
Chicago, IL
Transforming an underutilized building into a thriving hub for makers, creatives, and small businesses in the heart of Ravenswood.
Development
Chicago, IL
38-unit mixed-use building with retail space, developed adjacent to CTA Brown Line station.
Investment
Chicago, IL
Mixed-use renovation with 6 residential units and ground-floor retail space.
Investment
Chicago, IL
Facilitated acquisition of 60,000 SF historic warehouse for craft brewery expansion.
Investment
Chicago, IL
Retail repositioning to create stable neighborhood corridor for local entrepreneurs.
Development
Chicago, IL
Public-private partnership assembled site for 28 apartments and ground-floor retail.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Strengthening Chicago Communities
In addition to our real estate ventures, Harrington‑Brown is active in the Chicago community and enjoys working with local small businesses, nonprofits, and neighborhood organizations that help Chicago’s neighborhoods to thrive.
Nonprofit
Common Pantry - Food Distribution center
Learn more
Volunteering
Epiphany United Church of Christ
Learn more
Education
Rogers Park Montessori School
Learn more
Nonprofits + Volunteering
Taproot Foundation
Learn more
Business Development
Rogers Park Business Alliance
Learn more
Volunteering
St. Paul's United Church of Christ
Learn more
Nonprofit
Common Pantry - Food Distribution center
Learn more
Volunteering
Epiphany United Church of Christ
Learn more
Education
Rogers Park Montessori School
Learn more
Nonprofits + Volunteering
Taproot Foundation
Learn more
Business Development
Rogers Park Business Alliance
Learn more
Volunteering
St. Paul's United Church of Christ
Learn more
FAQs
Common Questions About Our Approach
Still have questions? We've got answers. Get in touch—we'd love to talk.
What makes HarringtonBrown different from traditional real estate firms?
We take on projects that other developers pass over—working with struggling nonprofits, preserving local businesses, and creating affordable housing solutions. With 40 years of Wall Street experience, we bring sophisticated expertise to community-focused projects that prioritize people over profit.
What types of projects do you typically invest in?
Are you actively seeking new business and clients?
How do I get started working with HarringtonBrown?
Do you only work in Chicago?
What makes HarringtonBrown different from traditional real estate firms?
We take on projects that other developers pass over—working with struggling nonprofits, preserving local businesses, and creating affordable housing solutions. With 40 years of Wall Street experience, we bring sophisticated expertise to community-focused projects that prioritize people over profit.
What types of projects do you typically invest in?
Are you actively seeking new business and clients?
How do I get started working with HarringtonBrown?
Do you only work in Chicago?
What makes HarringtonBrown different from traditional real estate firms?
We take on projects that other developers pass over—working with struggling nonprofits, preserving local businesses, and creating affordable housing solutions. With 40 years of Wall Street experience, we bring sophisticated expertise to community-focused projects that prioritize people over profit.