Connect Building Leadership
The SOAR Residential Network (SRN) provides a forum for board members and building managers of Streeterville condominiums, cooperatives, and rentals to network, share information about managing and maintaining our buildings and help one another become effective advocates for our individual communities.
Programs are held throughout the year on topics relevant to this audience. Information and links to handouts from past programs are found below. A schedule of upcoming programs is also available.
Mediate or Litigate: It's Your Money
Mediation can be used very effectively as an alternative to litigation to resolve disputes between unit owners and other interested parties.
The presentation included discussion of how and when to use mediation, the principles of mediation, the responsibility of boards in resolving disputes, and the way in which parties can tap into free mediation assistance. Handout.
Presented by Mark Pearlstein of Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC and Mac Steele and Pari Karin, from the Center for Conflict Resolution on March 28, 2012.
Financing Capital Projects
From time-to-time condo associations are faced with major projects that require sizable capital funding including compliance with city ordinances such as façade and Life-Safety, replacement/repair of critical capital facilities and equipment, and discretionary refurbishment to keep the building in the forefront of the condo market.
The benefits and trade-offs for paying for these projects with capital reserve depletion, special assessments and capital loans were discussed.
Presented by Jilm Stoller, President of The Building Group and Harris Bank on October 26, 2011.
Improve Building Greening & Sustainability Initiatives
As more and more potential condo buyers become conscious of the importance of energy and environmental issues, LEED certification of a building can enhance its attractiveness in the condo marketplace. Practices that that condo buildings can implement to reduce energy consumption with attendant cost savings, as well as sustainability practices that reduce loss of reusable materials were discussed. Handout
Docent-guided tours of Lake Point Tower's beautiful award winning 3.5-acre green roof Skyline Park with its gardens, wooded glade, lagoon, children's play area, and other attractive features were also conducted.
Presented by architect Jonathon Boyer of Farr Associates on July 25, 2011.
Foreclosures in Condo Buildings
With foreclosures continuing to escalate, more and more associations are facing associated assessment delinquencies, dealing with banks who have taken possession of condo units, and other legal issues. A panel discussed how condo associations can most effectively manage this critical issue.
Presented by Sheli Lulkin of the Association of Sheridan Road Condo Owners, Brian White of Lakeside Community Development Corp., Mark Pearlstein founding Member of Levenfeld Pearlstein LLC,, and Bill Spallone from Harris Bank on May 25, 2011.
Mayoral Forum on Community Issues
This forum provided 2011 mayoral candidates an opportunity to present their ideas on community and environmental issues. Moderated by Andy Shaw, Executive Director of the Better Government Association, Chicago mayoral candidates had the opportunity to state their position then respond to questions posed by the community.
Attended by more than 2,000 residents, this forum was organized by the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) and Friends of the Parks (FOTP) in partnership with Friends of Downtown, Fulton River District Association, New Eastside Association of Residents (NEAR), North Dearborn Association, River North Residents Association, as well as influential environmental organizations: Great Lakes Alliance, Chicago Recycling Coalition, Friends of the Forest Preserves, Friends of the Chicago River, Openlands, Sierra Club, and Trust for Public Land.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Budgeting and Financial Planning for Associations
Financial topics discussed included the: annual budget process, planning for and financing capital projects, and keeping buildings competitive in the marketplace.
Presented by Chris Nyborg of Nyborg & Company, Ltd. on July 21, 2010.
An Ounce of Prevention - Emergency Preparedness and Response
Presenters offered a case study from a recent Streeterville high-rise fire, outlining the role of the management company, building, and unit owners during and after the emergency.
Presenters also discussed what unit owners need to consider and have in terms of insurance coverage in order to protect themselves in emergency and non-emergency situations. Handout
Presented by Nancy Ayers from Mesirow Financial and Dean Lerner from Sudler Property Management on May 19, 2010
Legal Issues Every Board Member Should Understand
Legal issues every board member should understand: IL condominium act; meeting procedures; fiduciary duties; election process; relationship with property manager and other service providers; dealing with delinquent owners. Handout
Presented by Mark Pearlstein, Founding Member of Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC, on February 17, 2010
City Codes
What you need to know about changing City codes: A representative of the City's buildings department discussed important potential changes regarding facade inspections, elevator inspections, and the fire safety ordinance. Handout
Presented by Jose Aparicio and Bob Fahlstrom, City of Chicago Inspectors, on November 4, 2009