Michael Lerner

Michael Lerner Sr. (commonly referenced as Michael J. Lerner) is the Founder and President of MCZ Development Corporation, a Chicago-based real estate development firm he established in 1985. In this role, Lerner oversees the firm’s strategic direction, investment initiatives, and development platform, guiding projects across major U.S. markets. MCZ specializes in high-density infill development, adaptive reuse, condominium conversions, and mixed-use real estate projects, with a strong focus on transforming underutilized urban assets into residential and mixed-use communities. Lerner has built a multi-decade career in real estate development, widely recognized for his expertise in the adaptive reuse of historic industrial and office properties. Under his leadership, MCZ became a key participant in Chicago’s urban revitalization, converting former manufacturing and commercial buildings into residential loft developments and mixed-use communities. His work has contributed to the redevelopment of neighborhoods such as the West Loop, where projects like loft conversions and residential developments helped catalyze broader economic growth and urban transformation. Over time, Lerner expanded MCZ’s footprint beyond the Midwest into markets including Florida and other high-growth regions, engaging in projects such as condominium developments, condo-hotel conversions, and large-scale residential communities. His investment strategy centers on value creation through repositioning, redevelopment, and strategic capital structuring, often targeting distressed or underutilized assets. Through partnerships and joint ventures, MCZ has developed and repositioned assets across multiple asset types, including multifamily, hospitality, and mixed-use properties, building a nationally active development platform.

• Languages
  English
• Company Website
  Visit Site
• Education
  Boston University (BA); Hofstra University (JD)