Melanie Jefferies Recognized as an ICSC CenterBuild Leader Under 40 

Melanie Jefferies Recognized as an ICSC CenterBuild Leader Under 40 

Chief Regional Officer, Midwest of Chicago-based engineering firm has been named part of the ICSC CenterBuild Leaders Under 40 Class of 2023 

CHICAGO, IL (November 29, 2023) – Melanie Jefferies, Chief Regional Officer, Midwest at Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. and Principal at Milhouse Development, LLC, has been selected for the prestigious ICSC CenterBuild Leaders Under 40 Award. This award recognizes outstanding leaders in the retail, design, construction, and development industries. The CenterBuild Leaders Under 40 Award aims to identify, inspire, and galvanize the next generation of influential thought leaders through the CenterBuild Conference platform. Melanie aligns seamlessly with the mission and vision of the program, showcasing her commitment to positive community impact, economic development, and leadership in the industry. 

As the Chief Regional Officer of a $75 million enterprise, she oversees 60% of the business, driving growth across eight industries.  Melanie consistently addresses project challenges through the corporate vision, fostering a diverse culture of exceptional talent to deliver superior solutions globally. She focuses on solving issues in underdeveloped neighborhoods, creating transient commercial traffic to drive economic wealth for communities. In her role as Principal of Milhouse Development, Melanie secures international financing for real estate deals, managing a diverse portfolio generating over $50 million in revenue. 

Melanie’s work on community and economic development on Chicago’s south side reflects her deep passion for equitable neighborhood development. At 4731 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Milhouse Development and its co-developer are bringing a $46 million mixed-use project, which will bring 74,000 square feet of dining, retail, entertainment and recreational space to Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood. The project aims to cultivate economic development, employment opportunities, more dining/food options for the area and entertainment and retail choices that all represent the culture and soul of Bronzeville. 

Melanie continues to give back to the community through her service as a board member of Milhouse Charities, a non-profit committed to reinvesting in communities. Since its founding in 2012, the charity has invested over $1 million in STEM education, schools, and partnerships, and made a global impact through its service in Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, and Africa. 

“I am truly honored to be recognized for the ICSC CenterBuild Leaders Under 40 Award. This nomination is a testament to the collective efforts of the incredible team at Milhouse and the shared commitment to transformative and equitable development,” CRO of Milhouse, Melanie shares. “I believe in harnessing the power of diversity and innovation to drive positive change in communities, and I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the future of our industry. This acknowledgment reinforces our dedication to making a lasting impact and creating sustainable, vibrant spaces for generations to come.” 

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About Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.  

Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. is a full-service engineering firm offering expertise in civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, and environmental engineering, as well as construction and program management. We deliver creative solutions to complex problems around the globe. Driven by our diverse perspectives, we challenge the status quo to pursue a brighter future for the communities we serve. Milhouse has been named a ‘Best & Brightest Companies to Work For’ for 18 years in a row and is ranked as an ‘ENR Top 500 Design Firm’. Follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook.  

For further information, please contact:   

Liz Heffner, Marketing Coordinator, eheffner@milhouseinc.com