WHEREAS, the Commissioners of the Public Building Commission of Chicago (the “Commission”) were saddened to learn of the death of Earl L. Neal (“Neal”), in Chicago, Illinois, on February 13, 2005; and

WHEREAS, Earl L. Neal was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 16, 1928, to parents Evelyn and Earl J. Neal, a former legislator and Associate Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois; and

WHEREAS, a product of the Chicago Public Schools, Neal graduated from Englewood High School in 1945 and received his undergraduate collegiate degree at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) in 1949 and his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School in 1952; and

WHEREAS, Neal distinguished himself as a legal practitioner during a prominent career that spanned over 50 years and served as special counsel to six consecutive mayors of the City of Chicago: Richard J. Daley, Michael Bilandic, Jane Byrne, Harold Washington, Eugene Sawyer and Richard M. Daley; and

WHEREAS, as an expert in the fields of real estate and municipal law, Neal was instrumental in the development of numerous major public works projects as Chief Land Acquisition Attorney for the City’s Land Clearance Commission, Special Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago, and as Legal Counsel to the Public Building Commission of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, as Legal Counsel to the Commission from 1976 until his death, Neal provided invaluable assistance to the Commission in the implementation of capital improvement projects that enhance the quality of life for citizens throughout the City of Chicago: public schools and recreational facilities, campus parks, branch libraries, City Colleges including the New Kennedy King College at 63rd and Halsted Streets, the Central Police Headquarters and district police stations, fire stations and the new Millennium Park located in downtown Chicago; and

WHEREAS, he was instrumental in the acquisition and development of numerous real estate projects that defined urban progress and growth in the City of Chicago which included, among others: the Dan Ryan Expressway, the Deep Tunnel Project, United Center, U. S. Cellular Field, Midway Airport Expansion and the current expansion project at O’Hare International Airport; and

WHEREAS, Neal was a dedicated public servant whose career included service as a member of the Board, President and Trustee Emeritus of the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois, chairman of the Gary/Chicago Regional Airport Authority, commissioner of the Chicago Housing Authority and President of the Chicago Metropolitan Housing Development Authority; and

WHEREAS, throughout his career Neal distinguished himself in the areas of business and commerce with many organizations and corporations including Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Federal Savings and Loan Association and a director of Chicago Title Insurance Company, Lincoln National Corporation, Peoples Energy and the former First Chicago Bank Corporation; and

WHEREAS, Earl L. Neal will be fondly remembered as gracious, warm, kind and compassionate; a friend, advisor and confidant to many; an outstanding legal practitioner who always performed his duties in an exemplary manner; and a dedicated public servant; and

WHEREAS, he will be deeply missed, especially by his wife of 49 years, Isobel Hoskins Neal, his son, Langdon D. Neal, his daughter in law, Jeanette, his four grandchildren, Tyler, Mackinzie, Savannah and Langdon Earl, and the many friends, acquaintances and associates whose lives he touched during his distinguished career.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chairman and the Commissioners of the Public Building Commission of Chicago publicly notes with sorrow and regret, the death of Earl L. Neal and extend sincere condolences to his family and friends.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Executive Director is hereby authorized and directed to present a suitable replica of this Resolution to his widow, Isobel Hoskins Neal.