Louis R. Silverman

Louis R. Silverman, Manager of First Aldermanic Campaign to Beat Chicago Machine and Real Estate Pioneer, dead at 84.

In his early 20s, Silverman was political action chairman of the Independent Voters of Illinois where he disproved the conventional wisdom that no one could mount successful political campaigns against the regular democratic machine.

He ran the first aldermanic campaign to beat Richard J. Daley's machine by convincing Leon Despres to run for alderman of the 5th Ward and putting together an unprecedented precinct organization of over 300 volunteers. He ran Despres' campaigns for his first two aldermanic terms in 1955 and 1959. For many years, Despres was the sole independent alderman in the city council and was 5th Ward alderman for 20 years.

Silverman also successfully ran Abner Mikva's first political campaign (for State Representative), opening the door to Mikva's political career. Mikva went on to become a U.S. Congressman and a federal judge.

As one of two non-paid cabinet members in Governor Dan Walker's administration, Silverman was appointed chairman of the then fledgling State of Illinois Capital Development Corporation, a position he held from 1974 to 1976. Silverman developed the Board into a professional operation, which acquired land, designed, constructed, and rehabilitated properties for all arms of state government.

From 1960 to 1969 he was involved in various stages of The Woodlawn Organization's development, working to bring about the politics of social justice in Woodlawn. In this effort, Silverman worked with Saul Alinsky, Dr. Arthur M. Brazier, Dr. Leon Finney, Nick Von Hoffman, Bruce Sagan, and Victor de Grazia.

As a real estate developer, Silverman introduced the condominium concept to the Chicago area, in his role as Executive Vice President of Dunbar Builders, where he developed over 2,000 condominium high-rise, mid-rise, and townhouse residences.

in 1972, Silverman founded Development Management Group (DMG) where, among many other projects, he built and developed the third-tallest brick building in Chicago, The New York at 3660 North Lake Shore Drive and, most recently, developed with the Walsh Group the 59-story 55 East Erie condominium.

Silverman also founded Urban Search Corporation of Chicago, a full service real estate company with wife, Diane, who has been president and manager of the company for over 40 years.

Silverman is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diane Silverman; his three children, Jonathan Silverman (Anne), Joshua Silverman (Kimberly), and Rachel Silverman Darlow (David); and six beloved grandchildren, Baila, Naomi, Meira, Isaac, Tamar, and Jacob.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 28 at Congregation Rodfei Zedek, 5200 South Hyde Park Boulevard, Chicago, 60615.

Arrangements under the direction of Piser Funeral Services, Skokie, IL.