Real Estate Challenge

SITE: The Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation is proud to announce the 1901 Project as the site for the 2027 Real Estate Challenge!

DETAILS: The Real Estate Challenge matches graduate and undergraduate level teams from universities across the country to focus on a high-profile development/ redevelopment project. Each team is assigned the same case, including the same essential information and assumptions about the property. The students’ development plan must constitute a comprehensive analysis and conclusion of how to maximize the potential of the property from both a quantitative (financial) and qualitative (feasibility) standpoint. The top team(s) will receive $10,000+ in scholarships.

TEAMS: To create a diverse and comprehensive strategy, we encourage students to build a diverse discipline team (including real estate development, finance, design, law, urban planning, construction, etc.). Average teams are 3-5 individuals.

REGISTER: Preliminary Registration for the 2027 Challenge is due by Friday, December 4, 2026.

2027 Real Estate Challenge – Important Dates (subject to change):

• Fri, Dec 4, 2026 | 5 PM CST – Preliminary Team Registration Due
• Fri, Jan 22, 2027 | 5 PM CST – Full Team Registration Due
• Week of Feb 1, 2027 – Virtual Kickoff Call
• Wed, Feb 3, 2027 – Case Brief Distributed
• Mid-Feb–Early Mar 2027 – In-Person Site Tour (Chicago)
• Sat, Mar 13, 2027 | 5 PM CST – Purchase Price/Bid Due
• Fri, Apr 2, 2027 | 5 PM CST – Written Report and Executive Summary Due
• Wed, Apr 7, 2027 | 5 PM CST – PowerPoint Presentation Due
• Sat, Apr 10, 2027 | All Day – Final Presentations (Chicago; Presentation Times TBD)