From the Field to Construction Manager; Brown Joins the South Suburban Land Bank

Roxann Brown didn’t set out to work in construction - and she didn’t discover she was good at it in a classroom or trade school either.

No, she actually, amazingly, figured it out kind of… randomly. Just by walking properties, asking questions, researching late at night, and trusting her instincts in the field. She didn’t know she had it in her. But, as it turned out, she did.

“I didn’t have a background in construction at all,” Brown said. “I learned everything by being out here. Looking at what didn’t feel right. Doing the research. And it just started coming together.”

She built her background hands-on, learning construction in the field, project by project, and later started her own business, Rock Solid Construction.

That hands-on learning process ultimately led Brown to a new role as Construction Manager for the South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority, formalizing work she has already been doing with the organization for more than a year.

Michael Lofton, the program director with the Land Bank, said: "I’ve had the chance to work closely with Roxann in her role as an inspector, and she consistently showed a strong construction background, a steady approach to problem-solving, and a real passion for the work. Her move into the Construction Manager role reflects both the quality of her work and my confidence in her ability to lead complex rehabilitation projects as the Land Bank continues to grow."

Brown began working with SDA in June 2024 through contract work, initially focused on property inspections and scopes of work for vacant homes. Her role involved evaluating what properties needed to be stabilized, what could be marketed as-is, and what level of rehab made sense before a developer stepped in.

At first, she was hesitant to speak up.

“You’re working with contractors who’ve been doing this for 20 or 30 years,” she said. “At first, you don’t want to say, ‘That doesn’t look right.’”

But the more properties she walked, the more confident she became.

“A lot of it came down to common sense, observation, and research,” Brown said. “Once I started learning the language, everything clicked.”

One of the moments that confirmed Brown’s instincts came during her first Land Bank project. After evaluating a vacant home, she recommended that the property be marketed directly to developers rather than undergoing additional work.

The property sold quickly, and Brown continued tracking the project through renovation. And then came one of the most satisfying parts of the job for her – watching it transform from vacancy to a completed home.

“To see it through from start to finish… that’s the most rewarding part,” she said. “That’s why we do this work.”

Since then, Brown has supported multiple projects by monitoring construction progress, ensuring permits and inspections are in place, and helping developers navigate challenges as they arise.

Her role has often involved being a consistent on-the-ground presence. Brown is fantastic at connecting subcontractors, flagging issues early, and keeping projects aligned with village requirements.

So, naturally, the Land Bank was a perfect fit.

“I love seeing an old house rebuilt into something a family can live in,” she said. “That’s rewarding in itself. You’re rebuilding communities.”

As Construction Manager, Brown will focus on helping the Land Bank scale its rehab and white-box work, particularly as the program looks toward increased activity in 2026. That includes coordinating more projects simultaneously and expanding the pool of qualified subcontractors.

She sees the rehab program as foundational to broader neighborhood revitalization.

“It’s a beautiful start to rebuilding our community,” Brown said. “The goal is strong outcomes… homes that are done right and ready for the next family.”

About the Southland Development Authority

The Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the south suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development.