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Chicago

Blackhawks owner, real estate investor Rocky Wirtz dead at 70

Three-time champion was a major investor in Chicago real estate

Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz (Getty)
Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz (Getty)

Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, scion of a prominent Chicago-area family that invested heavily in real estate who also led the hockey team to three Stanley Cup championships from 2010 to 2015, has died at the age of 70, the team announced Tuesday.

Wirtz inherited the team in 2007 after his father Bill died, and helped turn the Blackhawks into an NHL powerhouse in just a few years, spearheading the “Greatest Sports-Business Turnaround Ever.”

Wirtz may be remembered most for returning the Blackhawks to championship glory, but his legacy goes beyond the ice.

He was also a large figure in Chicago real estate. His family’s company, the Wirtz Corporation, was founded by Arthur Wirtz in 1926 and primarily focused on real estate investments before expanding into banking, alcohol distribution and sports. The firm owns and manages more than 80 residential properties and various luxury commercial buildings in the Chicago area, according to its website. Rocky Wirtz headed the company as chairman.

Wirtz sought city approval last month to build up to 1,200 residential units and 663 hotel rooms two blocks south of the team’s game day venue, the United Center. The project is part of Wirtz and Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s efforts to spur development and economic growth in the area between downtown and the home arena. 

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In March, the Blackhawks struck a deal with Rush University Medical Center to allow a $65 million, 135,000-square-square expansion of Fifth Third Arena in the Near West Side, where the team practices. The project will double the size of the team’s practice facilities and it will also serve as a premium setting for youth hockey teams.

Construction also recently started for Wirtz’ 800-acre residential development in Mundelein, roughly 40 miles northwest of Chicago. Plans for the site include 1,200 single-family houses, 600 townhouses and 1,400 multifamily units. It’s also slated for retail, parks, a village center, light industrial buildings and possibly a school.

The Wirtz family turned heads last year when it sold its entire apartment portfolio in Evanston to North Park Ventures for $35.3 million. The family had owned the five-building, 164-unit portfolio for over 90 years. 

The Wirtz company’s latest residential development is the 20-story, luxury apartment high-rise at 2950 North Sheridan in Lakeview East.

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