Romeo Kapudija has transformed from a professional race car driver into one of Chicago’s most recognized luxury real estate developers. His company Miller Street Partners has changed how people think about waterfront living in Lake Zurich.
The developer’s most notable achievement is the Sanctuary of Lake Zurich, which has earned him consecutive nominations for Chicago Agent Magazine’s Choice Awards. This project represents more than just luxury housing. It shows how thoughtful development can enhance entire communities.
You’ll discover why Romeo Kapudija real estate projects stand out in a crowded market. This guide covers his background, signature developments, awards, and impact on Lake Zurich’s growth.
Romeo Kapudija is a former professional race car driver turned luxury real estate developer who founded Miller Street Partners. He’s best known for creating the Sanctuary of Lake Zurich, a 23-unit townhome development that earned him recognition as one of Chicago’s top suburban developers.
Who Is Romeo Kapudija Real Estate Developer
Romeo Kapudija brings a unique background to real estate development as a former professional race car driver turned visionary entrepreneur. His career spans real estate development, extreme sports entertainment, and personal electric vehicle manufacturing.
Based in the Greater Chicago Area, Kapudija serves as founding partner of Miller Street Partners. His transition from racing to real estate development wasn’t random. The precision and attention to detail required in professional racing translate perfectly to creating luxury developments.
His Development Philosophy
Kapudija’s approach goes beyond simply erecting homes – it’s about transforming regions into vibrant communities that enhance residents’ lives. He focuses on three core principles:
Environmental Responsibility: Kapudija ensures that his projects leave a positive environmental footprint by integrating green spaces and green practices.
Community Building: Kapudija creates spaces that bring people together, fostering meaningful connections among residents.
Attention to Detail: From design to execution, each aspect of Kapudija’s projects is handled with precision, ensuring residents experience functionality and value.
Career Highlights and Projects
Kapudija launched Urban View Development Group in 2003 with his father, starting with the renovation of Ukrainian Village’s Swiss Embroidery Building. This building had previously manufactured patches for Boy Scout and Girl Scout uniforms before Kapudija converted it into a seven-unit condominium.
Another notable early project involved transforming Our Lady of Good Counsel church at 2411 W. Walton St., built in 1892 as a Bohemian Catholic church, into modern residential units.
The Sanctuary of Lake Zurich Project Details
The Sanctuary of Lake Zurich features 23 elevated townhouses that bring lake living to life, making it the last large project on the lake. This development represents the pinnacle of Romeo Kapudija real estate innovation.
Property Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Units | 23 elevated townhomes |
| Square Footage | 2,000-2,405 square feet |
| Bedrooms | 3 bedrooms per unit |
| Bathrooms | 3.5 bathrooms per unit |
| Garage | Two-car attached garages |
| Outdoor Spaces | 5 large outdoor spaces per unit |
| Special Features | In-unit elevator upgrade option |
Amenities and Features
The development includes a private beach and piers for residents. An on-site restaurant offers country club conveniences and high-end dining, creating nightlife opportunities at home.
Celebrity chef Fabio Viviani operates Lago, an Italian steakhouse within the development. The restaurant features high-end craft cocktails and live DJ entertainment on weekends.
Pricing and Availability
Current pricing ranges between $750,000 and $800,000 for remaining units. Original pricing started around $550,000 when first announced, showing significant appreciation during development.
Kapudija noted that all 23 townhouses have been built with just a few units still available for purchase. The project’s success exceeded his expectations.
Romeo Kapudija Awards and Recognition
Romeo Kapudija and Miller Street Partners have been nominated for special recognition in the Chicago Agent Magazine’s Choice Awards for two consecutive years. These nominations highlight the quality and impact of his work.
Award Timeline
2021 Recognition: Nominated for “Best Suburban Development” for the Sanctuary of Lake Zurich
2022 Recognition: Received nomination for “Developer of the Year”
Industry Impact
The recognition has brought attention to Lake Zurich, showcasing it as a desirable place to live and invest. This has resulted in increased interest from homebuyers and investors, contributing to the growth and vitality of the local real estate market.
The awards serve as testament to the quality and vision of Kapudija’s developments, building trust and confidence among prospective residents and buyers.
Miller Street Partners Development Approach
Miller Street Partners represents Romeo Kapudija’s current development company, focusing on luxury mixed-use projects. The company has evolved from his earlier Urban View Development Group.
Current Projects
Block A Development: Miller Street Partners partnered with restaurateur Fabio Viviani for a mixed-use development proposal including two restaurants and 56 apartments in downtown Lake Zurich.
Luxe Corsa Car Condominiums: A unique car condo project designed for storing classic and rare cars, some worth millions of dollars. Kapudija explained this is “a very popular business model right now” with developments “selling out across the country”.
Development Strategy
Kapudija personally invests in his projects, stating he intends to live in the Sanctuary building once complete. This shows confidence in his own developments and commitment to the communities he creates.
The company emphasizes working closely with local property owners associations and welcomes community feedback. Kapudija stated: “We want to make sure if we’re part of the community, we’re supported by this community and not fighting against them”.
Lake Zurich Real Estate Market Impact
Romeo Kapudija’s developments have played a significant role in shaping Lake Zurich’s growth and desirability. His projects create ripple effects throughout the local market.
Market Growth Indicators
Lake Zurich’s real estate market is experiencing steady growth, with median home prices expected to rise by approximately 5% in 2023. This growth is driven by the area’s desirability as a suburban oasis, low inventory, and appeal of new developments like the Sanctuary.
Property Types in Demand
Single-family homes remain popular, with many seeking privacy and space these residences offer. However, condos and townhomes are also in high demand, particularly for those who value low-maintenance living or desire a more central location closer to amenities.
Economic Benefits
The Sanctuary development has brought positive change to the wider Lake Zurich community by helping boost the local economy, creating jobs, and enhancing the area’s reputation as a desirable place to live.
Kapudija’s impact has attracted new residents, fueling community growth and increasing the area’s appeal. The Sanctuary has set a benchmark for future developments in the area, with its balance of modern design, natural beauty, and well-thought-out amenities serving as a model for other developers.
Future Projects and Developments
Romeo Kapudija real estate continues expanding beyond traditional residential developments. He’s considering two additional car condo projects elsewhere, with Luxe Corsa Car Condominiums serving as the flagship development.
Innovative Concepts
Car Storage Revolution: The luxury car condo concept addresses a growing market for high-end collectible car storage. These developments focus on designing spaces that feel “special and unique” and don’t exist anywhere else in the Chicagoland area.
Mixed-Use Focus: Future projects emphasize combining retail, residential, and dining experiences in single developments. This approach creates live-work-play environments that appeal to modern buyers.
Market Positioning
Kapudija describes his development philosophy as “the city meets the suburbs, finally”. This positioning attracts buyers wanting urban sophistication with suburban tranquility.
His focus on waterfront properties and unique adaptive reuse projects positions Miller Street Partners as a premium developer in the competitive Chicago market.
FAQs
Who is Romeo Kapudija and what company does he own?
Romeo Kapudija is a former professional race car driver who founded Miller Street Partners, a luxury real estate development company based in the Greater Chicago Area.
What is the Sanctuary of Lake Zurich?
The Sanctuary of Lake Zurich is a 23-unit luxury townhome development featuring 2,000-2,405 square foot residences with private beach access, boat slips, and an on-site Italian steakhouse.
What awards has Romeo Kapudija won?
Romeo Kapudija and Miller Street Partners have been nominated for Chicago Agent Magazine’s Choice Awards for two consecutive years, including “Best Suburban Development” in 2021 and “Developer of the Year” in 2022.
How much do Romeo Kapudija’s properties cost?
Current units at the Sanctuary of Lake Zurich range between $750,000 and $800,000, while his car condo projects target high-end collectors with luxury vehicle storage needs.