Early Life
Neil Gary Bluhm was born in Chicago in 1938. His father left the family when he was 13, and his mother worked as a bookkeeper. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, graduating with a degree in accounting in 1959. In 1962, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University.
Rise to Success
Bluhm started his career as a lawyer before transitioning to real estate. In 1969, he co-founded JMB Realty with Judd Malkin. The company became a significant player in the real estate market. In 1994, he co-founded Walton Street Capital, a private equity firm. He also co-founded Rush Street Gaming with Greg Carlin.
Key Business Strategies
Bluhm's success is rooted in strategic real estate investments, including luxury hotels, commercial office towers, and casinos. He developed mixed-use projects and expanded into the gaming industry through Rush Street Gaming. He also owns properties like 900 North Michigan and the Ritz-Carlton Chicago.
Philanthropy
Neil Bluhm is known for his philanthropy. He funded the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute with a $10 million gift in 2005. In 2013, he donated $25 million to Northwestern University, with $15 million allocated to the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law. In 2022, he donated $45 million to Northwestern Medicine to establish the Bluhm Heart Hospital.