Dentons US LLP real estate partner Jonathan Kaden. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR
Dentons US LLP real estate partner Jonathan Kaden focuses his practice on community economic development transactions involving the federal New Markets Tax Credit—a creative tool for stimulating private investment in low-income communities. Outside of work, Kaden treasures time with his wife, Susan, and their twin sons. Here is how this Highland Park powerhouse stays on trend.
ON HIS BOOKSHELF
“We still receive paper copies of the Chicago Tribune and the New York Times every morning. I’m an avid follower of national and local politics, and enjoy the op-ed pages of the Times, especially. I find David Brooks particularly thought-provoking, not because I agree with him all of the time, but because he’s a centrist and acknowledges the appeal of policies that are favorites of the right and the left. I’m discouraged by the political polarization that pervades the country and the inability of our federal and state legislators to find common ground that would lead to broadly beneficial public policies. So I’ve been drawn recently to writing that tries meaningfully to bridge gaps and propose realistic compromises.”
ON HIS MOBILE
“I read the Bisnow real estate email newsletter most mornings, because I find the development of our city and communities fascinating, and I consume dozens of alerts each day about Chicago sports and Duke basketball. On Instagram, I follow friends and family almost exclusively, but I also follow NASA and a couple of the International Space Station astronauts who regularly post photos of earth’s major cities and geographic landmarks from space. I’m awed by photos of earth from space—they’ve captured my imagination since I was young.”
IN HIS EARBUDS
“My favorite newer music has come from Arcade Fire, Beirut, Vampire Weekend, and Coldplay. But I return frequently to my old favorites: Talking Heads, the Cars, R.E.M., and U2. I’m also not above dropping 99 cents on a novelty pop song, especially if my boys will listen to it with me in the car (and tolerate me singing along). Beyond music, I am a devotee of WBEZ and enjoy their news programming, This American Life, and Sound Opinions. The Curious City podcast, which explores interesting bits of trivia about Chicago, is also one of my favorites.”
