Arts & Entertainment
Daniel Levin, Real Estate Developer and 47-Year WTTW-WFMT Trustee, Dies at 94

Daniel Levin, a prominent real estate developer, Chicago civic leader and longtime supporter of WFMT and WTTW, died Jan. 11. He was 94.
Levin began his career as a lawyer before shifting to real estate development as the founder and chairman of The Habitat Company, one of the largest development and property management firms in the Midwest.
In 1980, he became the founder and CEO of the expansive East Bank Club. And in 1987, Levin and his company became the court-appointed receiver of the Chicago Housing Authority’s scattered site development program, a role they served in for more than two decades. The effort was aimed at revitalizing and expanding affordable housing in the city.
Prior to his work with his own company, Levin worked as a lawyer representing a firm that planned and developed the Mies van der Rohe-designed Lafayette Park, according to Landmarks Illinois.
As a developer, his properties included the Presidential Towers complex, South Commons and Columbus Plaza, among others.
Levin was well-known in Chicago civic circles for his involvement in organizations across the city.
He was one of the longest-serving trustees in the history of WTTW-WFMT, serving on the Board of Trustees for more than 47 years and as chair of the WFMT Radio Committee.
Levin’s passion for classical music began in childhood. In a 2020 interview with WTTW producer Dan Andries as part of the WTTW-WFMT Oral History Project, Levin recalled, “My father liked to listen to the classical music, and it was soothing for him. He worked hard, so he would just put music on, and I just enjoyed it.”
This spark continued during his time at the University of Chicago, when as a student Levin began listening to the newly-founded Chicago classical music radio station, WFMT. He developed a deeper appreciation for the artform of classical music, and also enjoyed listening to sketch segments on WFMT’s innovative folk and roots variety program, “The Midnight Special,” featuring Elaine May and Mike Nichols.
This enthusiasm for WFMT would lead him to join the board in 1977.
Amb. Fay Levin (Ret.) and Daniel Levin are pictured at a WTTW-WFMT event with Sesame Street character Elmo. (WTTW)
In 2001, WFMT unveiled the Fay and Daniel Levin Performance Studio made possible with support from the Levins. The state-of-the-art studio is the station’s flagship space for live performance and recordings and has hosted hundreds of distinguished classical music artists including Rachel Barton Pine, Marc-André Hamelin, Lawrence Brownlee, Anne-Sophie Mutter and many more.
This gift was a cornerstone of Levin’s lifetime of serving as a champion for the arts in Chicago. Reflecting on the importance of public media, he expressed, “you need something for the common good, and having an informed, civilized community.”
When asked how he wished to be remembered, Levin humbly offered, “the simplest thing is basically being a good person… respecting people and enjoying doing it.”
“Dan’s kindness, positivity, and generosity of spirit were felt by everyone who knew him,” said WFMT-WTTW President and CEO Sandra Cordova Micek. “His passion for classical music and deep devotion over many decades to WFMT will never be forgotten. A true gentleman in every way, we are grateful for his leadership and dedication to our work and to the arts community in Chicago.”
Levin received a bachelor’s degree and J.D. from the University of Chicago before pursuing a career in real estate development.
In addition to his active engagement with WFMT and WTTW, Levin held leadership roles on the Environmental Law and Policy Center board, the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College board, and the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy Leadership Council.
Levin is survived by his wife, Fay Hartog-Levin, a former United States ambassador to the Netherlands, who also served as a WTTW-WFMT trustee from 2013 to 2017, three children, two stepchildren, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to WFMT in Daniel Levin’s memory. Funeral services will be private.