Breaking News: The Connor Group has closed the sale of Wheaton 121 for $101.2 million, our first property sale since 2022. Purchased for $72 million in 2018, this sale caps a remarkable six years of ownership and showcases the relentless dedication and teamwork of our Chicago associates. It also officially concludes our chapter in the Chicago market, positioning the company for focused growth in strategic regions.
Leading this exceptional turnaround was partner and senior director Jenein Sous, who stepped into her first general manager role at Wheaton 121. “When I first got there, it was about proving to myself that I could do the job,” Jenein reflected. “It’s bittersweet to say goodbye, but I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished as a team and excited for the start of something new.”
The Wheaton 121 team was relentless in every sense of the word, overcoming challenges to position the property for sale. Their efforts produced remarkable results:
- Increased NOI by $2.5 million
- Increased other income by 118%
- Increased rates by $392
Partner and lead tech Freddy Martinez was a key part of achieving these numbers – and he says the biggest progress at the property came down to people.
“Once we were all aligned and on the same page, it made it easier to just keep pushing, and we started hitting our goals consistently,” Freddy said. “We all created a great bond and we all trust each other. That’s big to me.”
The Wheaton 121 sale also means our company is officially exiting the Chicago market. “When I got to the company, we had five properties in Chicago,” Freddy recalls. “One by one, we watched them go. I could tell that we were all making a huge difference here.”
“Jenein, Freddy, and the entire Wheaton 121 team not only delivered exceptional results but embodied the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines our culture,” said senior partner Brad Dykes. “This sale is a testament to their grit, accountability, and unwavering focus on fundamentals. As we close this chapter in Chicago, we’re set up for long-term success in the markets where we’ll continue to grow and achieve even more.”
Jenein traded the Windy City for the sunny skies of Florida. Last week, she relocated to Fort Lauderdale/Miami to start at Grand Riviera Miramar in December.
“It’s so exciting that I get to go to a new property and have a new team and be able to make an impact on them,” Jenein said. “I’m ready for the challenge. I think that’s why we do what we do here at The Connor Group. We all have our obstacles that we have to overcome. And, at the end of the day, when we do that, it’s just so fulfilling. Then we ask ourselves: what’s next?”
For Freddy, “next” means a move to Dallas, and he’s taking two members of the Wheaton 121 team with him. His father and turn tech, Francisco Martinez, and his brother and groundskeeper, George Martinez, will also make the move.
“One door closes, the next one opens,” added Freddy.
Congratulations to the Wheaton 121 team!
- Jenein Sous, partner and senior director
- Erika Perry, general manager in residency
- Halimah Shukair, sales associate
- Freddy Martinez, partner and lead tech
- Francisco Martinez, turn tech
- Moises Crespo, turn tech
- George Martinez, grounds