Bob Horner and Ibrahim Shihadeh, Co-Principals – Winthrop Properties

Education/Background:
HORNER: Undergraduate degree in finance and banking from Northwestern
University and an MBA from New York University, with an emphasis in finance

SHIHADEH: Bachelor of Science degree with an emphasis in structural engineering from the University of Illinois Chicago

Work Experience:
HORNER: Before forming Winthrop Properties, Horner served as the CFO for Pulte Homes, general manager of Pulte’s Illinois division, CEO of Pulte’s mortgage subsidiary and CEO of both Sears Mortgage and Citicorp Mortgage. After more than 15 years on the financial side of home building, Horner decided to make the switch to development.

SHIHADEH: Shihadeh is experienced in engineering, construction and rehabilitation with a special emphasis on kitchens and bathrooms. His first venture was spearheading a remodeling business, which became one of the most successful remodeling firms on the North Shore. Utilizing the skills he developed in the remodeling business, Shihadeh then purchased and rehabbed apartment buildings in Chicago. Today, in addition to being co-principal of Winthrop Properties, he is also president of Creative Designs Builders.

Current Projects:
Winthrop Club is a contemporary high-rise located in downtown Evanston. This development, which broke ground earlier this year, combines high-end finishes, luxury amenities and LEED-criteria to create the North Shore’s first LEED residential development. Winthrop Club was also voted Favorite Eco-Friendly Community in suburban Chicago by Chicago Agent.

Printers Corner in Printers Row just celebrated its first closing, along with the grand opening of on-site models. This contemporary high-rise features a faceted architectural design, allowing each unit to be a corner unit. The corners are accented with floor-to-ceiling windows. Additionally, all homes come standard with granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring, crown molding, balcony, tech center, washer and dryer and a 42-inch plasma TV.

Recently Completed Projects:
111 S. Morgan, Printers Row Lofts and Evanston Galleria

Community Involvement:
Horner is a Member of the Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Business Real Estate Advisory Board.

Shihadeh is active in the Arab American Association of Engineers, which offers scholarships to students pursuing a degree in Engineering.

Interests/Activities:
Horner’s hobbies include downhill skiing, reading, theater and furniture making.

Shihadeh enjoys spending time flying and landing his airplane. He is a downhill skier and enjoys sharing his skiing interest with his children. He also spends time horseback riding with his children.