About The Jaffe Companies

For more than two decades, principals of The Jaffe Companies have been developing successful shopping centers and mixed-use projects across the Midwest and the nation. An unwavering dedication to creative, sensitive design principles and an appreciation for the importance of establishing a dynamic, engaging tenant mix has helped the firm maintain a consistent level of recognized excellence through a variety of different project sizes and styles. With a track record of proven success; a portfolio of nationally recognized developments; and a reputation for creating the kinds of compelling, memorable destinations that win both national awards and local acclaim, principals of The Jaffe Companies bring a talented, experienced approach to a variety of outstanding retail design and development projects. The vision of firm principal Michael Jaffe can be seen across the country, having been involved in several notable projects, including: Huebner Oaks Center, a 400,000-square-foot lifestyle center in San Antonio, Texas; Geneva Commons, a 440,000-square-foot lifestyle center in Geneva, Illinois; Orchard Grove Shopping Center in Aurora, Illinois; and, most recently, The Arboretum in South Barrington, Illinois, a 600,000-square-foot, high-end, heavily landscaped lifestyle center with an integrated mix of dining options, apparel and upscale home furnishings. Celebrated destinations that establish a definitive sense of place, The Jaffe Companies create distinctive and enduring community landmarks.

Leadership

Michael N. Jaffe

President

President Michael Jaffe brings 30 years of development experience and insight to The Jaffe Companies. Jaffe has generated an extensive portfolio of commercial and mixed-use developments, with a number of these projects gaining national recognition for outstanding design, tenant mix and aesthetic sensitivity.

All told, in his time as an agent and partner of Trammell Crow (1982–1990) and as principal of the Jaffe Companies (1990–present), Mr. Jaffe has been instrumental in bringing more than three million square feet of quality retail development to the national market.

Mr. Jaffe is a licensed attorney and was an associate of McDermott, Will and Emery in Chicago from law school graduation (J.D. 1980—Loyola University Chicago) in June 1980 until 1982 when he joined Trammell Crow. He is also an alum of the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana (B.A. cum laude, LAS 1977).

Michael J. Eizenga

Principal

Michael Eizenga joined The Jaffe Companies in 2007 and is primarily responsible for acquisitions, development, financing, and leasing activities within the company’s portfolio.  Most recently, Michael developed The Arboretum of South Barrington, a $100 million upscale lifestyle center that was sold to Starwood Capital Group, as well as the Edens Collection, a $60 million Target-anchored retail project in the City of Chicago.

Prior to joining The Jaffe Companies, Mr. Eizenga was Vice President at The Binswanger Company where he consulted with national corporate clients on their real estate holdings.  In his early career, Mr. Eizenga worked in Paris, Milan, Brussels, and Frankfurt in Siemen’s global finance group.

Mr. Eizenga actively supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Kovler Diabetes Center at The University of Chicago, and is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

MBA, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
BS, Indiana University Kelley School of Business