Our Team

WHY BRUSH HILL

Your Affordable Housing Development Partner

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Brush Hill combines real estate development experience with deep affordable housing and nonprofit expertise to complete your housing vision.

We act as an outsourced affordable housing department so your nonprofit can focus on what you do best — helping people.

Anne Kearns

Co-Founder & Principal

Anne Kearns co-founded Brush Hill Development in 2016 with a mission to expand quality housing opportunities for people with disabilities. She specializes in site acquisition, zoning, design, and construction, working closely with nonprofit organizations and municipalities to bring affordable housing projects to life.

Anne began her real estate career in 2003 and has since participated in nearly 400 residential and multifamily property transactions throughout Chicagoland. She has been a licensed Illinois real estate broker since 2003 and holds a B.S. in Business from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management.

Chrissy Swanson

Co-Founder & Principal

Chrissy Swanson brings extensive experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, project management, and affordable housing finance. Her affordable housing career began in 2004 at the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

Throughout her career, Chrissy has helped nonprofit clients raise more than $75 million and participated in the development of 168 affordable housing units. She specializes in securing funding, grant writing, and navigating the complexities of affordable housing financing.

Chrissy also leads Christina Swanson Consulting, Inc., supporting nonprofit organizations with their funding and housing development needs.

Beth Demes

Consultant

Beth Demes brings more than 30 years of experience in affordable housing development, finance, asset management, and community development, with particular expertise in affordable and senior housing.

Throughout her career, Beth has held senior leadership roles overseeing the planning, financing, development, and management of affordable housing communities, including more than 1,000 senior housing units across multiple developments.

A respected industry professional, Beth has served in leadership roles with the Illinois Housing Council and remains actively involved in affordable housing initiatives.

At Brush Hill Development, Beth works with the team to secure and structure financing for nonprofit development projects.

WJW Architects

Architecture & Planning Partner

WJW Architects is a Chicago-based architecture and planning firm with more than 30 years of experience specializing in affordable, supportive, and senior housing.

The firm works with developers, nonprofit organizations, housing authorities, and community partners on new construction, rehabilitation, adaptive reuse, and historic preservation projects. Its expertise includes navigating the design, financing, regulatory, and construction requirements of affordable housing.

With a practical, collaborative approach, WJW helps development teams move projects from concept through completion while balancing design quality, budgets, funding requirements, and long-term operational needs.

Synergy Construction Group

General Contracting & Construction Management Partner

Synergy Construction Group is a Chicago-based general contracting, construction management, and development firm founded in 2009. The firm has extensive experience delivering multifamily, commercial, healthcare, retail, and mixed-use projects.

Synergy provides comprehensive services including preconstruction planning, budgeting, design coordination, value engineering, permitting, and construction management. Its collaborative approach helps development teams navigate complex projects while maintaining alignment between design, cost, and scheduling.

Brush Hill Development is currently working on its fifth permanent supportive housing development with Synergy Construction Group. The partnership reflects Synergy's extensive experience and ability to navigate the challenges of affordable housing construction.

Blackwood Group

General Contracting & Construction Management Partner

Blackwood Group is a Chicago-based general contracting and construction management firm serving developers and property owners throughout the Chicagoland area. Founded in 2007, the firm specializes in residential, commercial, mixed-use, and light industrial construction.

With expertise in preconstruction, estimating, value engineering, design-build, and construction management, Blackwood works closely with development teams to keep projects aligned with their budgets, schedules, and goals.

Led by founder and principal Jose A. Duarte, P.E., LEED AP, Blackwood brings technical expertise and a collaborative approach to every project. Brush Hill Development is currently working on its third development with Blackwood Group and values the quality and professionalism the firm brings to each permanent supportive housing project.

Ozinga

Concrete & Construction Materials Partner

Founded in 1928, Ozinga is a fourth-generation, family-owned concrete and construction materials company serving communities throughout the Midwest. The company provides ready-mix concrete, aggregates, specialized mix designs, and transportation services to support construction projects from foundation through completion.

Beyond construction, Ozinga is committed to strengthening communities through the Ozinga Foundation, which supports local organizations and initiatives.

Brush Hill Development is proud to partner with Ozinga to advance permanent supportive housing in Illinois. As rising construction costs create new challenges for affordable housing, partnerships with industry leaders like Ozinga help support the development of quality housing for people with disabilities and the nonprofit organizations serving them.

Have a Housing Vision?
Let’s Talk.

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If your nonprofit is considering affordable housing for people with disabilities, Brush Hill can help you understand what it takes to move from an initial idea to tenant occupancy.

Call (773) 230-7555 Send an Email