For over 50 years, Elzie Higginbottom, has been an active member of Chicago’s real estate community. He is an esteemed developer, contractor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic activist. Elzie is the Founder and Chairman of East Lake, Chicago’s largest Black-owned development and management firm and the Founder of Burling Builders, a full service general contracting company. Elzie’s passion for real estate is matched by his commitment to catalyzing the economic development of the City’s underserved neighborhoods.
Elzie’s career began at Baird and Warner where he financed residential developments for over 20 years helping to develop thousands of market rate and affordable housing units. East Lake has also developed thousands of affordable housing units in Chicago and throughout Illinois.
East Lake is also known for being the first Black firm to develop high rise market residential properties in the Loop and River North. Elzie is known for being a trailblazer in bringing badly needed retail and office facilities to minority communities.
Elzie is a strong advocate for institutions and individuals that support African American families and communities through his leadership in dozens of non-profit organizations.
Elzie is a proud graduate of University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he was a world class track star and he is an active member of their Foundation Board. Elzie and his wife are the proud parents of four children.