Michael Gardner
Michael Gardner has over 25 years of experience in property finance and investment. He currently owns and operates apartments and commercial properties in Chicago and a self-storage facility in New Hampshire. Michael is a former principal of Kinzie Realty from its founding in 1994 through 2005. During his tenure, Kinzie purchased 20 apartment properties in the Chicago metro area containing nearly 2000 units for a total cost in excess of $59 million. Deal size ranged from 28 to 414 units, with budgets ranging from $600,000 to $20,000,000. These properties were later sold for in excess of $90 million. Sources of financing for these projects included principals’ equity, limited partner funds and bank loans.
Michael joined Continental Bank’s Real Estate Group in 1985 where he worked on the financing of income producing properties. He was recruited in 1988 to create and manage Tokai Bank’s Midwest real estate lending business. In 1994, Michael joined LaSalle Bank’s real estate department as a Vice President. During his career, Michael has been involved in all facets of real estate finance, as well as the acquisition, management, general contracting and construction of multi-family projects.
Michael holds a BS from the University of Illinois Chicago and an MM from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He lives in Westchester County, NY with his wife and three children.
