MEET GAIL SPREEN
Gail Spreen has been a Streeterville resident and real estate professional since 1997. Her entire career has focused on Chicago—with particular depth in the Streeterville neighborhood and downtown core—working with major developers as well as individual buyers and sellers.
From 1994 to 2017, Gail owned and operated her own firm, Streeterville Properties. In 2018, she merged that firm into Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty, where she continues her work today.
Deep Roots In The Community
Gail is proud to call Streeterville home and is extremely active in both the residential and business communities. With an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and more than three decades of real estate experience, she brings both professional expertise and a neighbor’s perspective to every conversation.
She has served five terms as President of SOAR (Streeterville Organization of Active Residents) and remains a key voice in neighborhood planning and advocacy. She is also deeply involved with The Magnificent Mile Association as a member of the Board of Directors, long-time Chair and Co-Chair of the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, and an active participant on several committees. Gail helped create a comprehensive market-data report on the downtown area, worked to improve traffic and transportation, and championed public-way beautification efforts. The popular Tuesday morning farmers market in front of the Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the initiatives she helped bring to life.
Preserving the Past, Shaping the Future
Gail is continually working to improve Streeterville. She collaborates with City departments, institutions and developers to shape projects so they enhance the neighborhood and create value for residents, businesses and visitors. At the same time, she is passionate about preserving Streeterville’s history—from its pre-Streeter roots through today’s rapid evolution. The Cap Streeter sculpture by her husband Dennis Downes and their documentary The History of South Streeterville are just two examples of that commitment.
“As Streeterville continues to evolve from its industrial past to a residential community future, we have a unique opportunity to be a force of inspiration and change in what is the greatest and most recognizable neighborhood in Chicago.”
Neighborhood & Resident Leadership
- Board of Directors, 2003–present
- President (five terms), including 2006–2009 and 2013–2015
- Chair / Co-Chair, Real Estate Committee, 2003–present
CityView Condominium Association
(440–480 N. McClurg Ct.)
- Board of Directors, Secretary, 2001–present
CCEMA – CityFront Center East Maintenance Association
- Board of Directors, 1999–2007 and 2010–present
- President, 2020–present
- Board of Directors, Secretary, 2008–present
- Board of Directors, 2011–present
City & Industry Involvement
- Board of Directors
- Chair / Co-Chair, Magnificent Mile Lights Festival & Parade, 2017–present
- Co-Chair, Data Committee (Michigan Avenue “By the Numbers” report)
- Traffic & Transportation Committee, 2003–2020
- Public Way Committee, Co-Chair, 2003–present
- Chair / Vice Chair, Public Policy Coordinating Committee (2011–2013, 2017)
- Board of Directors, 2013