Chase Cantrell

Chase L. Cantrell is a Lecturer at the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning (URP 590) as well as the inaugural Professional in Residence at the Weiser Center for Real Estate housed at the Ross School of Business.

In addition to his work at the University, Chase is the Executive Director of Building Community Value (BCV). In this role, he leads a diverse team of experts in implementing BCV’s real estate training, technical assistance, and consulting programs. Chase is a critical voice in Detroit’s policy making and revitalization efforts, playing a crucial role as an advocate for residents who work hard to restore and improve the physical infrastructure of Detroit’s neighborhoods. Observing a gap in Detroit’s real estate ecosystem, Chase founded BCV in 2016 as a bridge between the resources accessible to traditional real estate actors and Detroit residents and nonprofits who wish to make a positive impact within their communities.

Prior to founding BCV, Chase served as a Detroit-based transactional attorney at Dykema Gossett and Kotz Sangster. He built his career helping companies of all sizes (from start-ups to Fortune 100 companies) in matters related to real estate and corporate law. He remains a licensed member of the State Bar of Michigan and a member of the ACLU Lawyers Committee for Wayne County, Michigan.

Chase serves in leadership positions on the boards of New Detroit, Inc. and Citizens Research Council of Michigan. He also serves the citizens of the State of Michigan as a governor-appointee to the Board of Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons.

A two-time Michigan alum, Chase has a Juris Doctor from the University of Michigan Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.