Developer who search for the next "...

Developer who search for the next "hot" Chicago neighborhood frequently learned a lesson wherever they went to invest: Harold "Hal" Lichterman got there first.

As president of Kenard Corp., Mr Lichterman was many times the first to build residences in areas he sens were ready for a turnaround. Associates said he principally enjoyed projects that involved careful renovations and preservation of great architecture.

"He would like to drive by his throw outs and see that what used to be an abandoned warehouse was now an attractive place for nation to live," said Geraldine Lichterman, his wife of 29 years and his business partner at Kenard.

Mr Lichterman died at his Near North Side abode Tuesday at age 76. He had be acted uponed from emphysema for about five years, his wife said.

FIRST INTO A NEIGHBORHOOD

The Lichtermans instituteed Kenard, a real estate evolution and management firm, in 1973 taking the name from its first plot at Kenmore and Ardmore avenues. Geraldine Lichterman estimated that the company has complet more than 80 casts collectively worth more than $800 million.

"He was always first into a neighborhood -- River North, West turn Printer's Row were examples," said Marie Czapinski, his longtime assistant.

Don DeBat, a friend of Mr Lichterman's and his publicity agent, called him "a champion of saving vintage properties and transforming them into landmark neighborhoods. Almost single-handedly, Hal created the Buena Park Historic District limited by Irving Park, Montrose, Clark and the lake."

His deals included renovation of the Fisher Building at 343 s Dearborn. With Peter Holsten, Mr Lichterman was responsible for North Town Village, a mixed-income plan at Halsted and Evergreen near the Cabrini-Green public housing shoot forward

Geraldine Lichterman said her husband lov "making a difference" with his work and always valued drollery and humor, no matter what challenges he faced at work or with his health. She said his death hostile encountered many because he concealed his fight with emphysema, not wanting family to see him with an oxygen tank.

MESSAGE IS, 'DON'T SMOKE'

"The message here is, 'Don't smoke' " she said. Mr Lichterman quit smoking cigarettes years ago, she said.

Other survivors include children Mark, Len and Nancy Pappa, stepchildren Dawne Craig, Joel Gedroic and Jason Gedrick, sister Adele Swartz and 12 grandchildren.

Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. today at Weinstein Memorial Chapel, 111 Skokie Blvd in Wilmette. Burial will come [i]or[/i] go after [i]or[/i] behind at Graceland Cemetery, 4001 N Clark.

droeder@suntimes.com

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