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Chicago Real Estate, Rooted in Community

Thoughtful development and investment projects that preserve character, support small businesses, and keep Chicago’s communities thriving.

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Our Story

Chicago Real Estate, Rooted in Community

Thoughtful development and investment projects that preserve character, support small businesses, and keep Chicago’s communities thriving.

Get in Touch

Our Story

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.

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Ravenswood WorkCenter — adaptive reuse for artists, craftsmen, and local small businesses.

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

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

    Profile image of a client

    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

    Profile image of a client

    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

    Profile image of a client

    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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Get in Touch

Get in Touch

PROJECTS

Real Projects, Real Impact

View All Projects

View All Projects

Investment

Ravenswood WorkCenter

Chicago, IL

Transforming an underutilized building into a thriving hub for makers, creatives, and small businesses in the heart of Ravenswood.

Investment

Development

Montrose Green / The Henry

Chicago, IL

38-unit mixed-use building with retail space, developed adjacent to CTA Brown Line station.

Development

Investment

Larchmont Lincoln

Chicago, IL

Mixed-use renovation with 6 residential units and ground-floor retail space.

Investment

Investment

Half Acre Brewery & Taproom

Chicago, IL

Facilitated acquisition of 60,000 SF historic warehouse for craft brewery expansion.

Investment

Investment

Montrose West

Chicago, IL

Retail repositioning to create stable neighborhood corridor for local entrepreneurs.

Investment

Development

Evanston Gateway

Chicago, IL

Public-private partnership assembled site for 28 apartments and ground-floor retail.

Development

Investment

Ravenswood WorkCenter

Chicago, IL

Transforming an underutilized building into a thriving hub for makers, creatives, and small businesses in the heart of Ravenswood.

Development

Montrose Green / The Henry

Chicago, IL

38-unit mixed-use building with retail space, developed adjacent to CTA Brown Line station.

Investment

Larchmont Lincoln

Chicago, IL

Mixed-use renovation with 6 residential units and ground-floor retail space.

Investment

Half Acre Brewery & Taproom

Chicago, IL

Facilitated acquisition of 60,000 SF historic warehouse for craft brewery expansion.

Investment

Montrose West

Chicago, IL

Retail repositioning to create stable neighborhood corridor for local entrepreneurs.

Development

Evanston Gateway

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.

FAQs

Common Questions About Our Approach

Still have questions? We've got answers. Get in touch—we'd love to talk.

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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?