Case Studies

DiCosola.

WE BUILD REAL VALUE IN REAL ESTATE.

The DiCosola name has been synonymous with excellence for over two decades.

Our clients experience this excellence in all facets of our work.  Our case studies allow us to highlight the our values, quality, and vision as it pertains to individual projects. 

 

Case Studies

808 CLEVELAND | COREY THOMPSON

BACKSTORY:

The client, a multifamily and mixed-use developer, was introduced to DiCosola through a real estate broker while seeking referrals for a general contractor. Since that initial conversation, where the client appreciated Nick’s approach and transparency, DiCosola has worked with the client on ground-up mixed-use developments and tenant buildouts.

THE DICOSOLA DIFFERENCE:

From Day 1, DiCosola works closely with ownership to ensure each project’s success.

For a recent landlord improvements project for a commercial space, the client experienced permitting issues. Even with a compressed timeline, DiCosola was able to pivot and deliver on time and on budget.

The exceptional quality and consistency of DiCosola’s work leads to long-term relationships with the developers who deliver commercial and multifamily product to their communities.

TESTIMONIAL:

“Pre-construction through punch list, DiCosola consistently meets budgets and deadlines. Every project comes to fruition.” – Corey Thompson

 

 

 

RENOVATION | KATHRYN BAND
BACKSTORY:

The client contacted DiCosola when they needed to unexpectedly downsize their residence at the recommendation of their real estate broker, Julie Sutton of Coldwell Banker. The initial conversation centered around a prospective purchase; Nick DiCosola’s realistic and honest feedback that the house would require costly renovation to the majority of the home that did not justify the purchase price informed the ultimate decision to purchase a different home.

However, the home that was purchased still required additional renovation of the kitchen and mudroom to meet the client’s needs.

THE DICOSOLA DIFFERENCE:

A thorough exploration of the client’s goals including functionality, utilization and position of existing kitchen equipment, and resell value determined a complete kitchen and mudroom remodel was the appropriate course of action. DiCosola worked in close collaboration with the real estate broker to ensure the investment would be recaptured upon sale of the home.

Throughout the entire renovation, DiCosola and its subcontractors created a collaborative, comfortable environment for the homeowner. The process included daily inspections and fanatical attention to detail. Every challenge was delivered with expert recommendations. From initial conversation to final walk through, DiCosola provided expert guidance and superior service.

TESTIMONIAL:

“Nick DiCosola is candid, honest and realistic. As our construction management firm, DiCosola expected perfection for us. They deliver the leadership, organization and expertise that ensure clients like us get the exact results we want.” – Kathryn Band

 

 

 

OWNERS ADVOCATE | K.D.
BACKSTORY:

In January of 2024, a pipe burst in the client’s home, flooding their house while they were out of town. As owners of two businesses with extensive family commitments, forced to live in hotels and long-term rentals, the challenges of working with the insurance company and engaging a contractor were overwhelming. When a neighbor recommended hiring an owner’s rep, the client was thrilled to learn that DiCosola’s services encompass individual residential projects in addition to commercial and institutional projects and developments.

THE DICOSOLA DIFFERENCE:

An owner’s representative ensures that a project moves consistently toward completion. In addition to holding regular meetings with the client and contractors, Nick provided pricing due diligence, alternatives to contractors’ recommendations, and regular progress photography to ensure the client was knowledgeable of next steps, without needing to manage them all.  

Delays when dealing with a third party can be extremely frustrating. DiCosola took the initiative to meet with insurance adjusters and to walk through the reconstruction together, which maintained momentum at a time when insurance threatened to decline coverage for certain elements of the project.

TESTIMONIAL:

“For anyone building a home or executing a complex project, especially involving a third party (in our case, an insurance company), it is extremely valuable to have eyes on site. The cost of hiring an owner’s representative is more than offset by the amount of vendor selection and negotiation savings achieved by working with DiCosola.”

 

 

 

JOLIET DIOCESE

GUIDING THE LARGEST CAPITAL CAMPAIGN IN JOLIET DIOCESE HISTORY

BACKSTORY: ADDRESSING A GENERATIONAL CHALLENGE

When Father Burke arrived at St. Isaac Jogues Church and Catholic School, he was quickly made aware of significant infrastructure challenges. The head of maintenance highlighted pressing issues requiring immediate attention, and as discussions evolved, it became clear that a major capital campaign would be necessary to modernize and upgrade the facilities—some of which were nearly 100 years old.

Leading this effort was a highly qualified committee of professionals, chaired by Richard Excell. Recognizing the need for deep construction expertise, the committee sought out Nick DiCosola to bring his decades of experience in real estate development and construction management to the team. The project’s scale was unprecedented: a $30 million initial capital campaign, the largest in the history of the Joliet Diocese. To put that into perspective, the entire Diocese’s annual campaign across all facilities is just $9 million.

Despite initial skepticism about whether the capital could even be raised, there was also a deep belief that if any parish could accomplish it, it would be St. Isaac Jogues. However, the enormity of the project would need to be re-evaluated and scaled down to focus on essential modifications utilizing Nick’s extensive value engineering experience. In the end, the team was able to decrease the initial estimated costs by $10 million dollars. This reduced the total capital campaign to $20 million; the significant savings created what the committee believed to be an attainable goal. 

 

THE DICOSOLA DIFFERENCE: LEADERSHIP, EXPERTISE, AND CONSENSUS-BUILDING

In a project of this magnitude, credibility and trust are paramount—especially when working with multiple stakeholders, including the Diocese, the committee, parishioners, and parents. From day one, Nick brought transparency, vision, and professional rigor to every conversation, ensuring that decisions were both strategic and financially sound.

• Strategic Prioritization & Planning – Nick and the leadership team worked to assess and prioritize the most critical improvements, balancing urgent needs with long-term sustainability. Every decision was data-driven, ensuring that funds would be spent efficiently and that expectations were clearly communicated.

• Navigating Complex Construction Challenges – With lead times and supply chain issues affecting certain projects (e.g., an 18-month wait for a transformer installation by ComEd), Nick spearheaded the sequencing adjustments necessary to keep the project within a reasonable timeline and keep progress moving efficiently.  With costs set to escalate in the coming years, what was slated to take several years to complete was sequenced into a cost-effective two-year project.  

• Managing Contractor & Architect Relationships – As a seasoned Owner’s Representative, Nick took the lead on conversations with architects and contractors, ensuring that contracts, pricing, and timelines aligned with the parish’s best interests.

• Building Confidence in Fundraising – Parishioners felt reassured knowing that every dollar was accounted for, every system was thoroughly analyzed, and every contract was prudently negotiated.

• Project Impact – The capital project achieved measurable cost and time savings by leveraging Nick’s professional Owner’s Representation experience to guide the decision-making process.

With the first set of projects completed and additional phases underway, Nick’s ongoing leadership will ensure the success of this multi-year capital campaign.

 

THE IMPACT: TRUSTED LEADERSHIP IN ACTION

Richard Excell’s Perspective:

“It was important for our committee to include individuals who had the necessary expertise and were willing to take the time to contribute. Our liaison to the Diocese has expressed that our committee is the best he’s ever worked with, and much of that is thanks to Nick’s leadership and professional approach.” – Richard Excell

Father Burke’s Perspective:

“From sequencing projects to contracts with architects and contractors, Nick takes the lead on most of those conversations. He’s comfortable and confident because he’s done it before. As a pastor, it’s invaluable. One of the things I love about being at St. Isaac’s is the giftedness of our people. I provide guidance and my point of view, and then trust Nick and the committee to use their gifts and run with them.” – Father Burke

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy

By volunteering his expertise as Owner’s Representative, Nick has played an instrumental role in ensuring that St. Isaac Jogues’ historic capital campaign is built on a foundation of transparency, efficiency, and trust. His leadership not only safeguards the financial and operational integrity of the project but also creates an enduring impact for generations of students and parishioners to come.