Real Estate for the Culture Podcast powered by TransformingUrban.org Sat, 02 May 2026 05:42:40 -0400 https://transformingurban.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 Real Estate for the Culture Podcast powered by TransformingUrban.org yes 8952caf3-8a39-5ab5-9401-66d93f7ebace Transforming Urban | Lauren Lowery episodic false Conversations with CRE Broker and investor Lauren Lowery on Chicago and other Urban American Cities' Changing Urban Communities. We tackle the transformation in OUR residential, commercial and industrial corridors with in-depth interviews with The Retailers, Developers, Policy Makers and Politicians that Transform the Nations Urban Landscape. Thursdays @ 1pm. 

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Transforming Urban | Lauren Lowery https://storage.buzzsprout.com/7kbhho53dlmtrhh5o4y2l22m2t2g?.jpg Real Estate for the Culture Podcast powered by TransformingUrban.org Architect John Gay shares how Jazz and Architectural Design intersect. He is Transforming Urban Design! Architect John Gay shares how Jazz and Architectural Design intersect. He is Transforming Urban Design! Architect John Gay is an entrepreneur, jazz lover, Chicagoan, innovator and his unique affordable housing design was just approved by Chicago DOH. Learn more about his influences, European studies and early drivers. Listen, Share and Learn from the Real Estate for the Culture Podcast, powered by the Transforming Urban network!! www.TransformingUrban.net www.FPCommercialAdvisors.com

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Architect John Gay is an entrepreneur, jazz lover, Chicagoan, innovator and his unique affordable housing design was just approved by Chicago DOH. Learn more about his influences, European studies and early drivers. Listen, Share and Learn from the Real Estate for the Culture Podcast, powered by the Transforming Urban network!! www.TransformingUrban.net www.FPCommercialAdvisors.com

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban | Lauren Lowery Buzzsprout-18994702 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0500 3557 2026 4 full false West Loop's Transformation w/Roger Romanelli w/the Fulton Market Assn on Real Estate for the Culture West Loop's Transformation w/Roger Romanelli w/the Fulton Market Assn on Real Estate for the Culture Roger Romanelli, in just 30 years, has watched the West Loop transform from 60 meat packing and food service companies to JUST 1 COMPANY! There is no one that has seen the West Loop's incremental changes from sleepy industrial to Chicago's hottest economic powerhouse. The neighborhood's economic development strategy is a test case in how to transform urban corridors in Chicago and the nation. Listen and learn more about the Oprah Winfrey impact, how restaurants spurred the transformation, the winners and losers, plus the lessons learned.

Watch the podcast on YouTube @FindersPlusRealEstate

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Roger Romanelli, in just 30 years, has watched the West Loop transform from 60 meat packing and food service companies to JUST 1 COMPANY! There is no one that has seen the West Loop's incremental changes from sleepy industrial to Chicago's hottest economic powerhouse. The neighborhood's economic development strategy is a test case in how to transform urban corridors in Chicago and the nation. Listen and learn more about the Oprah Winfrey impact, how restaurants spurred the transformation, the winners and losers, plus the lessons learned.

Watch the podcast on YouTube @FindersPlusRealEstate

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban | Lauren Lowery Buzzsprout-18746396 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:00:00 -0600 3257 2026 3 full false Chicago Segregation: The history w/Frank Williams and Dr. Bob Starks Chicago Segregation: The history w/Frank Williams and Dr. Bob Starks Real Estate for the Culture Podcast talks to Dr. Robert Starks, Professor Emeritus at NEIU's Carruthers Center for Urban Studies and Frank Williams, former President of the Chicago Assn of Realtors and the Chicago NAACP. Each has 50 years of transforming urban corridors, desegregating Chicago's neighborhoods and watching the disruption taking place nationwide. Listen, Learn, Share www.TransformingUrban.org for more details. TransformingUrban.com

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Real Estate for the Culture Podcast talks to Dr. Robert Starks, Professor Emeritus at NEIU's Carruthers Center for Urban Studies and Frank Williams, former President of the Chicago Assn of Realtors and the Chicago NAACP. Each has 50 years of transforming urban corridors, desegregating Chicago's neighborhoods and watching the disruption taking place nationwide. Listen, Learn, Share www.TransformingUrban.org for more details. TransformingUrban.com

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban | Lauren Lowery Buzzsprout-18608050 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0600 3545 2026 2 full false Urban Finance Expert Rob Rose on Real Estate for the Culture Podcast Urban Finance Expert Rob Rose on Real Estate for the Culture Podcast Rob Rose with Rose Capital Group is bringing his unique expertise, grounded by top positions at the Chicago Community Loan Fund and the Cook County Land Bank, to developers and municipalities across the nation. His contributions to the Chicago urban landscape have been transformational! That's why he is on the Transforming Urban Pod!! Listen and Share! www.TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Rob Rose with Rose Capital Group is bringing his unique expertise, grounded by top positions at the Chicago Community Loan Fund and the Cook County Land Bank, to developers and municipalities across the nation. His contributions to the Chicago urban landscape have been transformational! That's why he is on the Transforming Urban Pod!! Listen and Share! www.TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban | Lauren Lowery Buzzsprout-18533298 Thu, 22 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0600 3779 2026 1 full false Entertainment CRE Developer Alisa Starks with host Lauren Lowery on Transforming Urban Entertainment CRE Developer Alisa Starks with host Lauren Lowery on Transforming Urban TransformingUrban.com’s Pre-Thanksgiving Episode airs Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Noon with Urban Commercial Real Estate Pioneer Alisa Starks. Alisa Starks is Chief Operating Officer of Inner City Entertainment and one of the few Black Women developers specializing in the Hospitality and Entertainment Development sector. Alisa was recently awarded over $800,000 for her newest Entertainment sector development in South Shore. She invites the public to invest in her new venture. Listen and learn more Tuesdays at Noon.  

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> TransformingUrban.com’s Pre-Thanksgiving Episode airs Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at Noon with Urban Commercial Real Estate Pioneer Alisa Starks. Alisa Starks is Chief Operating Officer of Inner City Entertainment and one of the few Black Women developers specializing in the Hospitality and Entertainment Development sector. Alisa was recently awarded over $800,000 for her newest Entertainment sector development in South Shore. She invites the public to invest in her new venture. Listen and learn more Tuesdays at Noon.  

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-9605867 Wed, 24 Nov 2021 05:00:00 -0600 4125 3 5 full false Artist Chris Devins is our Guest on Transforming Urban | Part 2 continued Artist Chris Devins is our Guest on Transforming Urban | Part 2 continued PART TWO WITH CHRIS DEVINS IS A WALKING TOUR THROUGH ONE  OF HIS BRONZEVILLE INSTALLATIONS...LISTEN AND SHARE...OR CHECK HIM OUT ON FB LIVE...THEN ON OUR YOU TUBE PAGE www.TransformingUrban.us. Chris Devins is an urban planner, artist and activist who is protecting urban corridors in his own transformative way. The intersection of his skills and his passion for archival and historical memory proves to be an asset for the communities he loves. His work is powerful and his Chicago story is a must listen. 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> PART TWO WITH CHRIS DEVINS IS A WALKING TOUR THROUGH ONE  OF HIS BRONZEVILLE INSTALLATIONS...LISTEN AND SHARE...OR CHECK HIM OUT ON FB LIVE...THEN ON OUR YOU TUBE PAGE www.TransformingUrban.us. Chris Devins is an urban planner, artist and activist who is protecting urban corridors in his own transformative way. The intersection of his skills and his passion for archival and historical memory proves to be an asset for the communities he loves. His work is powerful and his Chicago story is a must listen. 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-9555118 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 13:00:00 -0600 1178 3 4 full false Artist Activist and Urban Planner Chris Devins is on Transforming Urban | Part 2 Artist Activist and Urban Planner Chris Devins is on Transforming Urban | Part 2 PART TWO WITH CHRIS DEVINS IS A WALKING TOUR THROUGH ONE  OF HIS BRONZEVILLE INSTALLATIONS...LISTEN AND SHARE...OR CHECK HIM OUT ON FB LIVE...THEN ON OUR YOU TUBE PAGE www.TransformingUrban.us. Chris Devins is an urban planner, artist and activist who is protecting urban corridors in his own transformative way. The intersection of his skills and his passion for archival and historical memory proves to be an asset for the communities he loves. His work is powerful and his Chicago story is a must listen. 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> PART TWO WITH CHRIS DEVINS IS A WALKING TOUR THROUGH ONE  OF HIS BRONZEVILLE INSTALLATIONS...LISTEN AND SHARE...OR CHECK HIM OUT ON FB LIVE...THEN ON OUR YOU TUBE PAGE www.TransformingUrban.us. Chris Devins is an urban planner, artist and activist who is protecting urban corridors in his own transformative way. The intersection of his skills and his passion for archival and historical memory proves to be an asset for the communities he loves. His work is powerful and his Chicago story is a must listen. 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-9554649 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0600 1337 3 4 full false Transforming Urban podcast with Artist and Activist Chris Devins - Part I with host Lauren Lowery Transforming Urban podcast with Artist and Activist Chris Devins - Part I with host Lauren Lowery Chris Devins is an urban planner, artist and activist who is protecting urban corridors in his own transformative way. The intersection of his skills and his passion for archival and historical memory proves to be an asset for the communities he loves. His work is powerful and his Chicago story is a must listen. Every Chicago Developer should have Chris on his team. Listen and Learn about his work. Stay tuned for bonus episodes featuring his work!!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Chris Devins is an urban planner, artist and activist who is protecting urban corridors in his own transformative way. The intersection of his skills and his passion for archival and historical memory proves to be an asset for the communities he loves. His work is powerful and his Chicago story is a must listen. Every Chicago Developer should have Chris on his team. Listen and Learn about his work. Stay tuned for bonus episodes featuring his work!!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-9525583 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0600 2861 3 3 full false Transforming Urban Podcast with Lauren Lowery and Architect Ramona Westbrook Transforming Urban Podcast with Lauren Lowery and Architect Ramona Westbrook Architect Ramona Westbrook is one of Chicago's leading Black Women Architects. Ms. Westbrook is President of her company, Brook Architecture whose experience and projects span over 3 decades. When Ramona started in architecture there were no African American women licensed to practice in Illinois. Now there are more than 10. In this episode, Ramona discusses the history of Blacks in architecture and the impact Black architects have had on Urban Corridors. Also learn more about the projects she is proud to have contributed to and her future projects! 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Architect Ramona Westbrook is one of Chicago's leading Black Women Architects. Ms. Westbrook is President of her company, Brook Architecture whose experience and projects span over 3 decades. When Ramona started in architecture there were no African American women licensed to practice in Illinois. Now there are more than 10. In this episode, Ramona discusses the history of Blacks in architecture and the impact Black architects have had on Urban Corridors. Also learn more about the projects she is proud to have contributed to and her future projects! 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-9464009 Tue, 02 Nov 2021 12:00:00 -0500 3197 3 2 full false Transforming Urban Podcast with host Lauren Lowery featuring Larry Huggins and Joe Williams with Granite Development Transforming Urban Podcast with host Lauren Lowery featuring Larry Huggins and Joe Williams with Granite Development Transforming Urban.com | In this first episode, Lauren, Larry and Joe reveal how Black Chicago commercial real estate development has performed given the loss of Black banks, Black real estate development history and personal lessons learned throughout a career in real estate and philanthropy. With insights and experience gained over 80 years between them and thousands of projects, Larry Huggins and Joe Williams’ reputation and political influence traverses from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley to current Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. 

A unique personal Chicago story with pioneers of Chicago Construction. Listen and Share

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban.com | In this first episode, Lauren, Larry and Joe reveal how Black Chicago commercial real estate development has performed given the loss of Black banks, Black real estate development history and personal lessons learned throughout a career in real estate and philanthropy. With insights and experience gained over 80 years between them and thousands of projects, Larry Huggins and Joe Williams’ reputation and political influence traverses from Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley to current Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. 

A unique personal Chicago story with pioneers of Chicago Construction. Listen and Share

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-9423713 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 12:00:00 -0500 4125 3 1 full false LaShelle London on Transforming Urban l Part 2 LaShelle London on Transforming Urban l Part 2 LaShelle London shares the path and interest in working with Papa John’s International. Papa John’s is expanding, adding new corporate offices and LaShelle shares a few trade secrets! Listen and share!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> LaShelle London shares the path and interest in working with Papa John’s International. Papa John’s is expanding, adding new corporate offices and LaShelle shares a few trade secrets! Listen and share!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-7907224 Tue, 16 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0600 2384 2 6 full false LaShelle London, Papa Johns Intl - RE Director, Midwest and Canada on 40 years in Commercial Real Estate I Part 1 LaShelle London, Papa Johns Intl - RE Director, Midwest and Canada on 40 years in Commercial Real Estate I Part 1 LaShelle London has closed real estate deals in Africa, Canada and the United States while raising a family and volunteering her skills to organizations including the International Counsel of Shopping Centers. LaShelle continues to represent Black Excellence from Taco Bell 40 years ago to now as Director of Real Estate at Papa Johns International. Learn how she has quietly navigated the highs and lows of the industry. 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> LaShelle London has closed real estate deals in Africa, Canada and the United States while raising a family and volunteering her skills to organizations including the International Counsel of Shopping Centers. LaShelle continues to represent Black Excellence from Taco Bell 40 years ago to now as Director of Real Estate at Papa Johns International. Learn how she has quietly navigated the highs and lows of the industry. 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-7842952 Sat, 13 Feb 2021 07:00:00 -0600 3079 2 5 full false Part 2 l Frank Williams candidly discusses 50 Years of Black Business Leadership in Chicago. Part 2 l Frank Williams candidly discusses 50 Years of Black Business Leadership in Chicago. Frank Williams opened his real estate brokerage in Chicago while leading great organizations including the NAACP and the Dearborn Realtists Organization. Frank then lead the Chicago Association of Realtors impacting reforms throughout the City! His example is critical to continued forward progress for Black Chicago and all of Chicagoland 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Frank Williams opened his real estate brokerage in Chicago while leading great organizations including the NAACP and the Dearborn Realtists Organization. Frank then lead the Chicago Association of Realtors impacting reforms throughout the City! His example is critical to continued forward progress for Black Chicago and all of Chicagoland 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-7098883 Sat, 02 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0600 1658 2 3 full false Transforming Urban honors Frank Williams celebrating 50 Years of Black Business Leadership Transforming Urban honors Frank Williams celebrating 50 Years of Black Business Leadership Frank Williams opened his real estate brokerage in Chicago while leading great organizations including the NAACP and the Dearborn Realtists Organization. Frank then lead the Chicago Association of Realtors impacting reforms throughout the City! His example is critical to continued forward progress for Black Chicago and all of Chicagoland.

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Frank Williams opened his real estate brokerage in Chicago while leading great organizations including the NAACP and the Dearborn Realtists Organization. Frank then lead the Chicago Association of Realtors impacting reforms throughout the City! His example is critical to continued forward progress for Black Chicago and all of Chicagoland.

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-7098844 Sat, 02 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0600 4111 2 2 full false Transforming Urban honors the Nation of Islam with Wendy Muhammad Transforming Urban honors the Nation of Islam with Wendy Muhammad The Nation of Islam controlled real estate and businesses in Chicago's Chatham, Avalon Park and Auburn Gresham neighborhoods in the 70's and 80's. We explore the impact and strategies behind these holdings. We also explore the current state of the Nation of Islam and how their history is informing it's future.  Author and Real Estate Entrepreneur Wendy Muhammad discusses her new Nation of Islam inspired project, Sadjah House!  Join Host Lauren Lowery  Real Estate Professional and Archivist - LaurenLowery.comLearn and Share! 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> The Nation of Islam controlled real estate and businesses in Chicago's Chatham, Avalon Park and Auburn Gresham neighborhoods in the 70's and 80's. We explore the impact and strategies behind these holdings. We also explore the current state of the Nation of Islam and how their history is informing it's future.  Author and Real Estate Entrepreneur Wendy Muhammad discusses her new Nation of Islam inspired project, Sadjah House!  Join Host Lauren Lowery  Real Estate Professional and Archivist - LaurenLowery.comLearn and Share! 

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-6428335 Tue, 17 Nov 2020 17:00:00 -0600 3984 2 1 full false Transforming Urban honors Dr. Conrad Worrill with Dr. Richard Benson and Scholar Tony Burroughs Transforming Urban honors Dr. Conrad Worrill with Dr. Richard Benson and Scholar Tony Burroughs Dr. Conrad Worrill was professor emeritus at Northeastern Illinois University at the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies.  He joined the ancestors in 2020 and scholars around the globe expressed his importance to global Black Studies and students and the Chicago Black experience. Dr. Richard Benson was his student and mentee and Tony Burroughs his colleague and friend for over 30 years. Dr Worrill impacted the landscape of Chicago development for decades! Learn more!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Dr. Conrad Worrill was professor emeritus at Northeastern Illinois University at the Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies.  He joined the ancestors in 2020 and scholars around the globe expressed his importance to global Black Studies and students and the Chicago Black experience. Dr. Richard Benson was his student and mentee and Tony Burroughs his colleague and friend for over 30 years. Dr Worrill impacted the landscape of Chicago development for decades! Learn more!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-5908930 Thu, 15 Oct 2020 09:00:00 -0500 4164 1 4 full false Transforming Urban with Entrepreneur and Developer Joseph Caldwell Transforming Urban with Entrepreneur and Developer Joseph Caldwell On this powerful episode of Transforming Urban our guest Joseph Caldwell remembers his mentors and supporters including Ernest Collins, Jacoby Dickens, Cecil Partee and Ralph Metcalfe. Over 50 Years of Business Success in Chicago, Mr. Caldwell exemplifies commitment to Chicago's urban communities. How did he become a real estate developer that has impacted Chicago's most popular corridors?!  Listen, Learn and Share!!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> On this powerful episode of Transforming Urban our guest Joseph Caldwell remembers his mentors and supporters including Ernest Collins, Jacoby Dickens, Cecil Partee and Ralph Metcalfe. Over 50 Years of Business Success in Chicago, Mr. Caldwell exemplifies commitment to Chicago's urban communities. How did he become a real estate developer that has impacted Chicago's most popular corridors?!  Listen, Learn and Share!!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-3910646 Tue, 26 May 2020 11:00:00 -0500 1920 1 3 full false Transforming Urban with Developer Lennox Jackson and Urban Scholar Corinth Jackson Transforming Urban with Developer Lennox Jackson and Urban Scholar Corinth Jackson What a fantastic episode of @TransformingUrban featuring the father daughter team of Lennox and Corinth Jackson! Lennox has a 30 year history of real estate successes in Chicago and his daughter is poised to move his company, Urban Equities, forward with a firm grasp of the history of Black real estate development in America! Chicago Scholar Dr. Christopher Reed joins the conversation with the history of one of Chicago’s first Black entrepreneurs Jesse Binga!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> What a fantastic episode of @TransformingUrban featuring the father daughter team of Lennox and Corinth Jackson! Lennox has a 30 year history of real estate successes in Chicago and his daughter is poised to move his company, Urban Equities, forward with a firm grasp of the history of Black real estate development in America! Chicago Scholar Dr. Christopher Reed joins the conversation with the history of one of Chicago’s first Black entrepreneurs Jesse Binga!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-3826130 Tue, 19 May 2020 08:00:00 -0500 4396 1 2 full false Transforming Urban with Lauren Lowery featuring Allison Davis Transforming Urban with Lauren Lowery featuring Allison Davis Allison Davis has been TRANSFORMING URBAN Chicago for over 50 years. His projects have redefined the corners of Roosevelt Road and Michigan Avenue. Learn about his life and career AND learn about his groundbreaking father and family in this episode!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Allison Davis has been TRANSFORMING URBAN Chicago for over 50 years. His projects have redefined the corners of Roosevelt Road and Michigan Avenue. Learn about his life and career AND learn about his groundbreaking father and family in this episode!

Real Talk for Our Communities | TransformingUrban.com | TransformingUrban.org | 

]]> Transforming Urban Buzzsprout-3812660 Mon, 18 May 2020 13:00:00 -0500 4140 1 1 full false