|
Michael D. Firsel is a principal and President of Mid-America Development Partners, LLC (Mid-Am). Along with David P. Bossy, he founded Mid-Am in May 2001, and together they successfully initiated an impressive series of development ventures primarily involving retail and mixed-use properties. Currently Mid-Am has more than 40 projects in various stages of development.Mr. Firsel began his professional career in 1973 as an attorney specializing in real estate transactions and real estate tax law. Between 1973 and 1999, he represented numerous developers and also established a special expertise in tax increment financing and other aspects of municipal finance. As a result, he acted as counsel to several municipalities in the Chicago area in connection with their redevelopment efforts.In 1999, Firsel made the transition from real estate attorney to real estate developer, establishing Firson Investment & Development Company, LLC, with prominent Chicago developer Gerald W. Fogelson, with whom he worked on several aspects of Central Station on Chicago's near south side. Projects developed by Firson included the La Grange Triangle redevelopment project in downtown La Grange, Ill.In addition to his work as an attorney and developer, Firsel served as a member of the Plan Commission in Arlington Heights, Ill., for eight years, including five years as its chairman. A native of Chicago, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and earned his law degree at DePaul University in Chicago. He presently resides in Vernon Hills, Ill., with his wife, Sandra. Their two grown sons are both active in the real estate business. | 