« Jacob da Builder » was known for developing in underserved communities.
Jacob Dochee, a prominent real estate developer known for giving back to the communities where he developed, was killed in a car crash on I-57 near south suburban Matteson on Friday night.
According to Illinois State Police, 45-year-old Dochee and 26-year-old Samieh Jawdat were speeding south on the highway when the Lamborghini they were in “left the road to the right, rolled over and struck trees.” They were both ejected from the car and pronounced dead at the scene. It is unclear who was driving the car and the crash is under investigation.
RELATED: Video: Heroic police officers rescue driver from burning car in Aurora suburb
Dochee was more known to his community as “Jacob da Builder.” According to the bio on his website:
In 2016, Dochee was awarded the “Top Developer” by the Chicago Association of Realtors Good Neighbor Awards.
In a 2014 interview with Chicago Magazine, Dochee discussed the issues facing development in Bronzeville, especially after the market crash and Chicago losing out on the Olympics. He also mentioned his philosophy with regards to development, that he would rather lose out on some money if a home is going to the right person.
RELATED: The mystery behind a 16-year-old girl’s death in an SUV crash has her family desperate for answers
A few Chicago politicians expressed their condolences after hearing about Dochee’s death.
“He’s one of the small minority of African American developers who took a chance on a black community, and invested his money in the area and it paid off for him,” said 3rd Ward Ald. Pat Dowell. “People should remember him as someone who loves Bronzeville.”
4th Ward Ald. Sophia King said on Facebook “My condolences to the family of Jacob Dochee who passed away yesterday evening. My prayers are with you.”
