Kerry Dickson joined Related Midwest in 1989 as a Project Manager. Since that time, Mr. Dickson has been directly responsible for planning, architecture, engineering, and obtaining both city and governmental approval for the successful development of over thirty projects. Mr. Dickson has extensive expertise in all areas of development planning and execution.

Prior to joining Related Midwest, Mr. Dickson was a Project Manager at Architectural Spectrum, a leading design firm in Champaign, Illinois.

Mr. Dickson graduated with highest honors from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Studies and with a dual Master of Architecture/Master of Business Administration degree. Mr. Dickson participated in the Study Abroad Program in Versailles, France.

Mr. Dickson currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Chicago-Area Homebuilders Association.

Frank Soldano — Vice President

Mr. Soldano joined Related Midwest in 1992. As a project manager in the Architecture and Planning Department, Mr. Soldano coordinates the efforts of a variety of design and construction professionals while working closely with the acquisitions, marketing and operations staffs at Related Midwest from project inception through construction. Currently, he is working on The Residences on Lake Shore Park. Mr. Soldano possesses a diverse range of project experience including The Chandler (Related Midwest’s first luxury condominium development), loft conversions at Lakeview Lofts, Ontario Street Lofts, and commercial tenant build-out for the Service Merchandise store at Tower Lofts. He also oversaw the historic renovation of the lobby at The Mayfair Condominiums.

Prior to joining Related Midwest, Mr. Soldano worked as an architect at Architectural Spectrum, a leading design firm in Champaign, Illinois. He received a B.S. in Architectural Studies and a joint Architecture/Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Illinois – Urbana/Champaign.

William W. Tippens — Vice President, Planning & Development

Mr. Tippens joined Related Midwest in 1996. Currently he is working on the planning and architecture for the redevelopment of the ABLA homes on Chicago’s West Side. At the firm he has been involved in the planning, preservation, and architecture at Fort Sheridan, preservation issues at The Cleveland Arcade in Cleveland and has been involved in planning and zoning on various projects.

Prior to joining Related Midwest, Mr. Tippens gained eight years of experience in preservation and planning in the public sector. He first worked for the Office of Research and Planning at the Chicago Park District and then for the City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development.

Mr. Tippens graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Studies and from Columbia University with a Master of Science degree in Historic Preservation. Mr. Tippens participated in the Study Abroad Program in Versailles, France, and traveled to England on a Fellowship from Columbia University. Mr. Tippens is a registered architect in the State of Illinois.

He is currently on the Executive Committee of Preservation Action, a national grass-roots preservation lobbying organization. He also is on the Board of Directors of Friends of Downtown, a community based not-for-profit dedicated to the vitality of Chicago’s downtown. He lectures regularly for the EPA, HUD and universities on the economic incentives available for historic buildings.

Brian J. Jansen — Project Manager

Since joining Related Midwest in 2001, Mr. Jansen has been responsible for coordination, scheduling, plan approval and managing architectural and consultant efforts of for-sale projects. Mr. Jansen is a project manager with the Architecture and Planning Department.

Prior to joining Related Midwest, Mr. Jansen worked in the Architecture and Development Industry for two years, working with architects, engineers and contractors in developing new educational environments and rehabbing existing structures at the University of Illinois - Urbana as an assistant to the Director of Project Planning and Facility Management.

Mr. Jansen earned his M.B.A and Master and B.S. of Architecture from the University of Illinois - Urbana.

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