Thursday January 15, 2026
Chicago became the birthplace of the high-rise skyscraper when the first steel-frame, 10-story commercial office structure was built in 1885. Since then, the city’s skyline has soared, shaping a global school of architectural innovation for more than a century. Today, Chicago remains home to some of the tallest and most iconic buildings in the world.
"After starting my career managing one of the largest residential high-rises in the city of Chicago, a 901-unit, 56-story tower in the East Lakeview neighborhood, I spent the next 15 years serving in several roles including as a Regional Director over a portfolio of high-rise properties and then as Vice President and Senior Vice President leading Chicago’s high-rise teams. Today, as President of FirstService Residential Illinois, I am proud of the work this team has accomplished and humbled to serve alongside the most dynamic leaders in our profession.
Our portfolio includes some of the most prestigious and meaningful addresses in Illinois. Our tradition of managing high-rise structures with record-breaking history, We opened the tallest high-rise ever designed by a woman, the St. Regis Tower, standing 1,191 feet and 101 stories tall, and we manage Aqua, another woman-designed architectural marvel at 859 feet and 87 stories, both in the Lake Shore East neighborhood. These properties and hundreds of others under our care represent the complexity and sophistication of Illinois communities along with the high level of expertise required to manage them."
Brian Butler, President of FirstService Residential Illinois
Serving Chicagoland’s diverse communities
Illinois is home to a wide range of residential communities, each with unique needs. We proudly serve neighborhoods such as Streeterville, River North, Gold Coast, West Loop, South Loop, and manage in suburban cities throughout the area including Naperville, Arlington Heights, Wheaton, and Flossmoor.- Streeterville and River North feature luxury high-rises with advanced technology and electric vehicle charging stations.
- Gold Coast offers historic co-ops requiring legal expertise and retrofitting for modern amenities.
- West Loop and South Loop showcase contemporary condominiums with rooftop lounges and LEED-certified upgrades.
- Naperville and Arlington Heights include single-family and townhome communities focused on family-friendly and trendy suburban amenities and lifestyle programming.
- Flossmoor represents master-planned neighborhoods prioritizing sustainability and transparency in governance.
2026 Illinois property management trends and insights: An interview with Brian Butler: What matters most for Illinois communities
What are the top priorities for Illinois community associations today?
"Boards are focused on financial planning and transparency. Rising costs and new compliance requirements make it essential to have a partner who can provide accurate forecasting and strategic guidance."Visit our Illinois HOA board members page to learn more about how we support boards throughout the state.
How do recent Illinois regulations impact community management?
"The updated Community Association Manager Licensing Act requires firms to meet strict licensing requirements, insurance coverage, and continuing education. Smaller firms often struggle with these mandates, but our scale allows for us to support these regulatory guidelines with our team members."Want to learn more about local legislation impacting the industry? Read our article, 'Understanding Illinois HOA laws: A complete guide', for more information on property management laws and how we support compliance.
What role do reserve studies play in Illinois communities?
"Legislation now emphasizes proactive planning. We help boards identify the right professionals to conduct regular reserve studies every five years to plan for major projects like retrofitting and infrastructure upgrades."Read our article 'Illinois HOA reserve study: A guide for your association' to learn more.
How do you manage vendor relationships for large communities?
"Vendor management is critical. Our size and scale allow us to negotiate favorable terms for services like snow removal, landscaping, and amenity enhancements."Our article 'Effective vendor management for community associations' covers more about vendor selection, maintaining vendor relationships, and more.
What trends are you seeing in high-rise and master-planned communities?
"High-rises in Streeterville and River North are investing in technology and electric vehicle infrastructure. Master-planned communities in Naperville prioritize sustainability and LEED-certified improvements."Visit our Illinois high-rise property management page to learn more about our services, including inspections, bylaw enforcement, and more.
Our BENCHMARK reports offer precise, actionable insights specifically for high-rises and master-planned communities. Get the data you need for smarter budgeting and strategic planning today.
How do you support co-op boards in neighborhoods like Gold Coast?
"Co-ops have specialized governance structures. We provide tailored financial and administrative support, to support these unique communities and improve board transparency."
What challenges do Illinois winters pose for community management?
"Snow removal and preventive maintenance are top concerns. We implement proactive plans to prepare roofs, HVAC systems, and common areas from weather-related challenges."
How does FirstService help communities navigate legal complexities?
"Our in-house legal resources and partnerships ensure boards stay compliant with evolving regulations, from energy policies to occupancy requirements."
What lifestyle amenities are Illinois residents requesting most?
"Fitness centers, rooftop lounges, and pet-friendly spaces dominate high-rise requests, while suburban communities often seek walking trails and upgraded clubhouses."
Why choose FirstService over a local competitor?
"Our combination of local expertise and national scale means we deliver personalized service backed by industry-leading technology and management support."Visit our page 'Illinois property management delivered by local experts' to learn more about our trusted services and solutions.
Why scale matters under new regulations
Illinois’ updated Community Association Manager Licensing Act and recent amendments to the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Statement Act create compliance challenges for boards. Licensed firms must maintain fidelity insurance, follow strict financial reporting protocols, and designate a qualified manager to supervise the firm. FirstService’s infrastructure ensures these requirements are met efficiently, giving boards peace of mind and reducing risk.Real voices from Illinois communities
Positive feedback from our clients speaks volumes:"Deanna and her team are the quintessential management team. Their efforts are diligent and highly professional."
C.K., Elk Grove Village
"Linda was attentive and ensured everything was processed efficiently. Great customer service!."
J.S., Arlington Heights
Making life, simplified
From legal compliance and financial planning to technology integration, vendor management, and LEED-certified retrofitting, FirstService Residential delivers solutions that enhance property values and resident lifestyles. Whether you live in a Streeterville high-rise, a Gold Coast co-op, or a master-planned community in Naperville, our mission is clear: to make life easier for boards and residents alike.To learn more about how FirstService Residential can support your community, contact us today.