Founder and CEO Contact
JDL Development was founded in 1993 by James D. Letchinger. Jim began his career by transforming 210 E Walton Street from a 1940’s 21-unit Benjamin Marshall apartment building in Chicago into five unique residential condominiums. Since then, Jim has quickly established himself as one of Chicago’s most creative and respected residential developers, and remains intimately involved in all aspects of JDL’s projects from inception to completion. His hands-on approach has enabled him to successfully navigate several Chicago real estate cycles, growing JDL into one of the city’s most respected and influential developers with over 3,500 residential units constructed and another 4,500 in planning.
For over three decades, JDL has exceeded expectations resulting in some of Chicago’s most prestigious development projects including No 9 Walton — 68 ultra-luxury condominiums considered to be among the most successful and expensive residential real estate deals in the city’s history. Following on the success of No. 9, JDL created One Chicago in 2022, establishing itself as an award-winning architectural landmark. In addition to One Chicago’s 812 stunning residences, the 2.2 million sf development offers commercial and retail space including Whole Foods and Lifetime Fitness. JDL continues to expand with its North Union development — 8 acres of lush urban and outdoor space, 4.4 million square feet of premium residential offerings, and mixed-use retail. Foundry Park, JDL’s newest endeavor, will transform 31 acres of vacant land into a thriving, new neighborhood along the Chicago River with single- and multi-family living, retail spaces, restaurants, walking trails, and green open spaces.
Jim is a graduate of the University of Michigan. A life-long City of Chicago resident, he is married with two children and two grandchildren.
Chief Operating Officer Contact
Robert Stone has been with JDL Development since 2002, overseeing all financial and administrative functions of the company. Robert works closely with a variety of banks, equity partners and many other service providers to create the right financial structures for JDL's projects. Prior to joining JDL, Robert was a consultant in private investment and business turnaround/workout consulting.
For more then 10 years, Robert was 50% Owner, Chairman and COO of United Model Distributors, Inc, the largest wholesale hobby products distributors in the US. For 4 years, Robert worked as a consultant in the real estate, oil and gas and industrial ventures and was Vice President of The Jupiter Corporation for 5 years prior to his consulting work.
Robert began his career in private practice of law with a specialty in real estate development, hotels and security. Robert holds a BA from Miami University and a JD from University of Michigan.
Executive Vice President Contact
Joey joined JDL Development in 2019 as a Project Manager and is now a key contributor to the firm’s mixed-use, residential, and hospitality portfolio. He works across JDL’s design, construction, and investment teams and oversees residential buyer construction, multifamily renovation projects, and partner coordination from early concept through final delivery.
Joey provides a pivotal role in the development of all major JDL projects including One Chicago, North Union, and Foundry Park. His work helps shape each project’s design integration, tenant experience, operational planning, and on-site execution. Joey is also part of the marketing and brand strategy for all developments, ensuring cohesive positioning as projects move to market.
Joey led both the development and integration of restaurant and retail partners such as DJ’s Great Room, Layla and Ringo, Gemini Grill, Petit Pomeroy, and Sophia Steak into JDL’s residential developments. Joey additionally leads renovation efforts at The Parker and Cobbler Square Lofts.
Before joining JDL, Joey founded a wine brokerage serving clients globally. A certified sommelier, he previously worked at New York’s Del Posto and held positions within the hospitality groups of Danny Meyer and Daniel Boulud. His extensive hospitality background informs his approach to real estate development, with a focus on tenant needs, guest experience, and operational excellence.
Executive Vice President, Asset Management Contact
Wes joined JDL Development as a project manager in 2019. He focuses on construction oversight of future projects and asset management of past projects.
Prior to JDL, Wes was an assistant superintendent with Lendlease working on projects such as One Bennett Park and 1035 W. Van Buren.
Wes started his career at Imperial Realty Company where he spent 5 year as a commercial real estate broker in both investment sales and commercial leasing. Wes was named highest producing broker in 2014 and 2016, broker of the year in 2014 and 2017, and most active broker in 2013.
He has a B.S. from The Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He majored in Real Estate Finance and Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation. Wes resides in Old Town with his wife Amanda and their dog, Zoey.
Executive Vice President, Development Contact
Ryan joined JDL Development in 2014. He oversees project management including the design and construction of JDL’s residential towers, routinely collaborating with architects, engineers and a broad array of consultants.
In 2025, Ryan was named to Crain's Chicago Business "40 under 40", recognizing him as one of the city's most dynamic emerging leaders. His vision and leadership at JDL have been instrumental in driving some of the firms most ambitious and impactful projects.
Previously, Ryan worked in Seattle as a Civil Engineer for Magnusson Klemencic Associates. Signature projects include the National Mall in Washington DC, King Abdullah Financial District in Saudi Arabia and the Seattle boardwalk redevelopment. Prior work experience includes internships at Hines, Skidmore Owings and Merrill, Pickard Chilton and Mortenson.
Ryan was awarded a Bachelor of Science in engineering from Northwestern University. He completed coursework with Harvard Business School and Kellogg School of Management. He earned his MBA from Kellogg graduating with honors in 2018 with a major in Finance.
Ryan is an avid cyclist, runner and soccer player. He is a founding member of a philanthropic cycling team, Riders of the Storm, which supports cancer research through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Executive Vice President, Construction Contact
Doug joined JDL in 2018, and oversees all aspects of the design and construction process across the company's development portfolio. Since joining the firm, Doug has played a critical role in the successful delivery of JDL projects that include the 2.2 million sq. ft. One Chicago development and North Union, the 8-acre redevelopment of rental buildings, retail and open space that includes 868 N. Wells and 920 N. Wells.
Prior to JDL, Doug worked at Lendlease where he managed several notable Chicago projects that include No 9. Walton, 625 W. Division (Xaveir Apartments), 845 W. Madison Apartments and a senior living project in Deerfield.
Doug began his career with Bechtel in Richmond, Kentucky working on the Bluegrass Chemical Agent Destruction Pilot Plant where he was responsible for managing schedule and cost for a $400 million blast-proof, purpose-built facility used to neutralize and eliminate the nation's chemical weapons. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Vice President, Marketing and Communications Contact
Shawn Ingall has worked with JDL Development since 2004. She is responsible for all marketing collateral, brochures, press releases and websites. She was also a consultant for Edelman Public Relations from 2004–2008. Prior to 2004, Shawn worked for General Growth Properties as a Senior Communications Manager where she executed media and marketing campaigns for major development projects.
For several years, Shawn worked for the City of Chicago where she was the Public Information Officer for the Department of Purchases, Contracts and Supplies. Prior to this position, she was the Publicity Coordinator for the City's Department of Cultural Affairs.
She has a B.A. from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst and a Masters Degree in Communications from Northwestern University.
Director of Interior Design Contact
Heather is the director of interior design at JDL, working closely with our clients to insure that their spaces are tailored exactly to their needs. She has over 10 years of experience working in luxury residential development.
Prior to JDL, Heather was Interior Construction Coordinator for Lincoln Park 2550, where she managed all aspects of the interiors in collaboration with designer Darcy Bonner.
Prior to Lincoln Park 2550, Heather worked as Senior Design Manager for Centrum Properties, where she managed more than $24M of interior selections across seven major residential properties including The Montgomery and The Fairbanks. She collaborated with multiple architects and designers to maintain quality across all aspects of the project, from unit finishes to lobbies, common areas, and exteriors.
Prior to Centrum, Heather lead interior selections for the Rezmar Corporation and was Design Center Coordinator with Invsco Group Limited.
Senior Project Manager Contact
John joined JDL in 2017, coordinating design and construction on multi-family residential projects. He manages projects through from conceptual design to final completion.
Prior to JDL, John served as a Project Architect with Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, managing new construction and adaptive reuse projects. He has experience with residential, retail, student housing and corporate office design and construction.
He has a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, Masters of Architecture and MBA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is a Registered Architect. John lives in River North with his wife, two children and Irish Terrier.
Director of Resident Services & Experience, Real Estate Broker Contact
Anthony, CMCA, AMS joined JDL in 2021 as a seasoned hospitality professional with a passion for creating exceptional guest experiences. In his role at One Chicago, Anthony hand-selects and trains the concierge team as well as created a comprehensive concierge program in collaboration with restaurants, hotels, and other service providers, tailored to the needs of the residents.
Prior to joining JDL, Anthony played a crucial role at No. 9 Walton from its inception as the Assistant Manager. He was responsible for hiring and training staff, honing their skills in various roles to ensure smooth operations of a full-service building. Before No.9 Walton, Anthony spent over 7 years at The Waldorf Astoria, where he excelled in roles such as car washer, valet manager, and lead concierge.
In addition to his extensive hospitality experience, Anthony holds a real estate broker's licenses and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from UIC. Anthony resides in Chicago with his fianceé, son, and two dogs.
Development Associate Contact
Garrett joined JDL Development in 2024 to assist with the day-to-day financial operations of all JDL projects. Responsibilities include overseeing the construction and financial performance of new developments, monitoring operational efficiency for existing assets, and identifying potential opportunities for new projects.
Before joining JDL, Garrett worked with Greystar, where he focused on new multifamily and industrial development projects across the Midwest and Eastern Canada. Garrett began his career at Wells Fargo in their Real Estate Lending Group.
Garrett holds a BA in Economics with a minor in Business from the University of Michigan.
Project Manager Contact
Colin joins JDL Development with a strong background in large-scale construction and a clear focus on cost, schedule and quality. He holds a B.S. in Construction Engineering from Marquette University and comes to JDL from Findorff (Madison, WI), where he served as Project Manager. At Findorff he led the delivery of several major student-housing developments including the 274,000 SF, 161-unit, 648-bedroom Hub First Tucson in Tucson, AZ. His other project credits include Chapter at Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI); Hub Blacksburg (Blacksburg, VA); and The Commons Residence Hall at Marquette University. At JDL, Colin leverages his regional experience and hands-on execution to advance our portfolio from pre-construction through completion.
Head of Residential Construction Contact
Marek has been with JDL for over 18 years. He oversees construction of all of JDL’s custom single family homes as well as their smaller town home projects. Marek is responsible for overseeing the daily management of all subcontractors and their specific duties as well as the project design. He works closely with JDL’s clients to ensure the projects are a complete success.