NORTHFIELD, ILL. — On Saturday, April 4, student groups from seven Midwest-based universities competed in the 10th annual Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation Real Estate Challenge for $5,000 in scholarships toward their university’s real estate program. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition took place virtually instead of its traditional in-person format. The Eisenberg Foundation partnered with Moody Bible Institute (MBI) to task real estate students with creating a hypothetical redevelopment plan for 7.9 acres of MBI’s campus, consisting of low-lying structures, parking lots and a soccer field. DePaul University’s proposal, River Coast West, won first place. The River Coast West proposal suggested a mixed-use development that would create a dynamic and diverse urban community. The team’s plan included four multifamily towers, an upscale senior living tower, a student housing building, a co-living building, a rehabilitation medical office center, 20,000 square feet of office space, a sports facility and two retail buildings. Additionally, the team’s proposal included a new park, church, recording studio and nonprofit accelerator aimed at expanding MBI outreach. The panel of judges included Michael Blue of Teska Associates, Christopher Dillion of Campbell Coyle, Ken Heulitt of MBI, Erik Hultquist of MBI and Al Klairmont of Imperial Realty …
