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Zelosky, William

For four decades starting in the late 19^th century, William Zelosky was perhaps the biggest developer in the Chicago area.  He was one of the two primary developers who, along with a group of Chicago area businessmen, saw Westchester as a great opportunity.

William Zelosky came to Chicago from Texas in 1890 during the World's Fair.

He entered the real estate business in 1894 and has devoted his whole life to the problem of housing people in comfortable, well-built homes at a reasonable price and terms the average family can afford.

Mr. Zelosky purchased large tracts of well-located lands served with good transportation and all necessary utilities.  All purchasing was done as it is today on a wholesale basis--the buying of acreage, contracting for underground improvements, paving, etc., building materials and labor--thus securing the lowest prices for good quality.  This saving was passed along to the buyers.

Then, to further accommodate more of the class of people who are ambitious to own their homes, Mr. Zelosky inaugurated his popular pay-by-the-month-like-rent system.

He had faith in Chicago and her future.  He ad faith in working people and their honesty of purpose.  Chicago could give them work--he could give them homes, reasonably priced and substantial.

Chicago grew--Zelosky satisfied customers increased in number.  In many instances, three generations of the same family have purchased homes from Mr. Zelosky.

To read more about his involvement in the development, read from the pages of the Westchester Tribune September 28, 1926, Special Edition and Greater Chicago Magazine, June1929.

This was taken from "Winged Dollars" published in 1928 by the William Zelosky Company.
 

Last Modified:  10/04/2002