Monthly Archives: May 2025

Bradford Allen Partners with Bark4Compassion to Support Animal Rescue Efforts

Published May 20, 2025

CHICAGO, IL— Bradford Allen today announced a new partnership with Bark4Compassion, a nonprofit animal rescue organization, in support of its mission to fly animals to safety and a second lease on life. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to compassion, community and lending a hand (or paw).

Bark4Compassion was founded in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic by Eduard Seitan and his wife Debbie, a duo with a shared passion for rescue work. Eduard, one of the founding partners of Chicago’s OOH restaurant group and a recreational pilot since 2007, flew his first animal rescue mission in 2018—and found a calling that would lead to the launch of Bark4Compassion. Today, the organization coordinates “freedom flights” for animals in need of medical care, foster placement or permanent adoption.

“This partnership is about using what we have—space, resources, and a strong team—to support something bigger,” said Aghfar Arun, executive director, hospitality at Bradford Allen. “Bark4Compassion is doing incredible work, and we’re excited to help more people learn about their mission and get involved.”

Bradford Allen will be leveraging its hospitality arm in support of the organization, donating a portion of proceeds from its growing portfolio of hotels in key markets across the country, facilitating direct contributions from guests in a variety of ways, and spearheading activities and events to further engage the community.

Since launching its hospitality platform in 2022, Bradford Allen has acquired seven hotels totaling nearly 900 keys. The firm’s growing portfolio includes properties in Riverhead, N.Y.; Glendale, Ariz.; Fishers, Ind.; and Iowa City, Iowa, with plans to re-open the newly renovated Hyatt Centric Rosemont near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport next month. Many of Bradford Allen’s hotel properties are dog-friendly, making this partnership a natural fit for both teams.

Together, Bradford Allen Hospitality and Bark4Compassion hope to inspire more animal lovers to take action, support rescue efforts and help give every animal the chance to find a safe, loving home.

About Bradford Allen

Bradford Allen (BA) is a commercial real estate and investment services firm based in the heart of downtown Chicago. Founded in 2003 by principals Jeff Bernstein and Larry Elbaum as an office brokerage, the firm has grown into a vertically integrated commercial real estate company offering a full array of services and expertise across multiple U.S. markets to entrepreneurial, corporate and not-for-profit clients, including strategy, marketing and transaction execution for occupiers, investors and owners. For more information, visit bradfordallen.com.

BA Secures 10,866-SF Lease at Edens Corporate Center

Published May 16, 2025

CHICAGO, IL — Bradford Allen has announced a new 10,866-square-foot lease with Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health at Edens Corporate Center in Northbrook, Illinois. The practice, which provides integrated care for digestive health, will establish a new location at the Class A office property. Scott Kulberg of Resolution Tenant Advisors represented the tenant, while Joel Berger of Bradford Allen, represented ownership.

“Edens Corporate Center continues to attract tenants seeking professional, high-quality space in a well-connected North Shore location,” said Berger. “This lease reflects the property’s appeal to both medical and professional users who want updated space, accessible parking, and proximity to their clientele.”

The deal with Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health is part of a recent wave of leasing activity at the property. Recently signed new tenants also include &Partners, Chicago Title Insurance Company, and Pure Financial. The building has also secured renewals with several long-term tenants, including IFMK Law — which recommitted to 10,000 square feet — as well as CTE Global, Mason Wenk & Berman, JVC Management, and Chapman Partners.

Edens Corporate Center offers flexible floor plans, modernized common areas, and a convenient location just off the Edens Expressway. Its strong leasing performance highlights continued demand for well-managed suburban office space tailored to evolving tenant needs.

About Bradford Allen
Bradford Allen is a national commercial real estate firm headquartered in downtown Chicago. The company offers a full array of brokerage services and expertise to entrepreneurial, corporate, and not-for-profit clients. Services include strategy, marketing, and transaction execution for occupiers, investors, and owners of commercial real estate.

Bradford Allen Acquires One Clearlake Office Tower in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Published May 12, 2025

Class A high-rise marks firm’s second office acquisition in South Florida

One Clearlake office building in West Palm Beach Florida.

Bradford Allen has acquired One Clearlake, an 18-story Class A office tower in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla. The firm plans to invest an additional $10 million to enhance the 221,661-square-foot property. (Credit: Bradford Allen and Turnkey Media)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Bradford Allen Investment Advisors today announced it has acquired One Clearlake, an 18-story Class A office tower at 250 S. Australian Ave. in downtown West Palm Beach, Fla. The transaction marks Bradford Allen’s second office acquisition in South Florida following its purchase of 350 and 450 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale in February 2025.

Bradford Allen will provide asset and property management services for One Clearlake, with plans to invest an additional $10 million to complete a full renovation of the property. As with 350 and 450 E. Las Olas, Jon Blunk and Laurel Oswald of TCRE will handle the leasing for the property.

Larry Elbaum, co-founder of Bradford Allen, said: “This acquisition not only expands Bradford Allen’s footprint in South Florida but also reflects my partner Jeff Bernstein’s and my confidence in the market. We look forward to improving One Clearlake and delivering an exceptional tenant experience.”

The 221,661-square-foot tower is nearly 63% occupied, with national credit tenants including Truist Bank, Ideal Nutrition and Robert Half. One Clearlake was built in 1986 with updates as recent as last year. Bradford Allen’s planned improvements include a new roof, renovated elevator system, state-of-the-art conference center, upgraded fitness center consistent with other Class A buildings and a reimagined tenant lounge and food service. Bradford Allen also plans to build four move-in-ready spec suites on one floor that will be ready for delivery by fourth-quarter 2025.

“There is tremendous upside in repositioning One Clearlake for today’s market,” said Blunk, president of TCRE. “As in other CBDs, we continue to see a flight to quality in downtown West Palm Beach, where limited trophy space is available even as the area experiences an influx of prominent employers — a trend that has made it one of the top-performing office submarkets in the country.”

One Clearlake is LEED Gold- and Energy Star-certified and offers 360-degree water views as well as a five-story parking garage. In addition, the property benefits from its proximity to Interstate 95 and West Palm Beach stations for South Florida’s Tri-Rail commuter rail service and Brightline rail service. The tower is also within walking distance to CityPlace, an upscale lifestyle center, and adjacent to the future sites of Cleveland Clinic’s Tomsich Health and Medical Center and Vanderbilt University’s graduate school campus.

“West Palm Beach is one of South Florida’s most exciting submarkets, with an extensive pipeline of residential and mixed-use projects both under construction and planned,” said CBRE Vice Chairman Christian Lee. “Office fundamentals in West Palm Beach also remain strong, with the submarket benefiting from a wave of migrations from affluent individuals and their companies.”

The Florida arm of CBRE’s National Office Partners, led by Lee and Vice President Sean Kelly, represented the confidential seller. The CBRE team also included Senior Vice President Amy Julian, First Vice President Andrew Chilgren, Senior Associate Tom Rappa and Financial Analyst Matthew Lee.

In addition to its South Florida assets, Bradford Allen owns properties in suburban Chicago; Greenwich, Conn.; Denver; Jacksonville, Fla.; and other markets. The firm has made a number of other value-add investments in large office properties as well.

About Bradford Allen:

Bradford Allen (BA) is a commercial real estate firm based in the heart of downtown Chicago. Founded in 2003 by Jeff Bernstein and Larry Elbaum as an office brokerage, the firm has grown into a vertically integrated commercial real estate company, offering a full array of services and expertise across multiple U.S. markets to entrepreneurial, corporate and not-for-profit clients, including strategy, marketing and transaction execution for occupiers, investors and owners. For more information, visit bradfordallen.com.

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Editors:

For more information, please contact David Matthews at dmatthews@taylorjohnson.com or (312) 267-4523.

Bradford Allen, New Castle Hotels & Resorts Celebrate Grand Reopening of Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead

Published May 8, 2025

114-key North Fork hotel returns to the market following transformative multimillion-dollar renovation

Bradford Allen and New Castle Hotels & Resorts today announced the grand reopening of the Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead following an extensive, multimillion-dollar renovation.

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. — Bradford Allen, a national full-service real estate firm, along with management partner New Castle Hotels & Resorts, today announced the grand reopening of the Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead following an extensive, multimillion-dollar renovation. The 114-key hotel at 2038 Old Country Road sits at the gateway to the North and South Forks of Long Island, including the Hamptons.

Renovations included refreshed guestrooms with new beds, bedding, carpet, bathrooms and furniture, as well as the addition of Peloton bikes to select rooms. Public spaces including the lobby, lounge area and front desk all received new flooring, furniture, accents and lighting, and two check-in pods were added. The hotel’s meeting and event spaces were refreshed with new carpet, paint, lighting and state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment built into each meeting room. Renovations also included brand-new public restrooms off the lobby and meeting area, new exterior paint and improvements to the lobby bar and restaurant as well as the outdoor patio.

The hotel was built in 2008. Bradford Allen acquired the property in December 2023 and began renovations in 2024.

“We’ve reimagined the Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead to offer guests a fresh, modern experience while maintaining the comfort and convenience they expect,” said Aghfar Arun, executive director of hospitality at Bradford Allen. “We’re committed to elevating hospitality at the entryway to Long Island’s premier destinations.”

Located in the middle of Long Island wine country and surrounded by the highest concentration of retail on the East End of Long Island, the Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead is a destination for business and leisure travelers, with proximity to beaches, vineyards, golf courses and other attractions. Amenities include an indoor pool, whirlpool and fire pit.

Bradford Allen in December 2023 also acquired the 131-suite Residence Inn by Marriott located at 2012 Old Country Road, next to the Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead. Together, the hotels are the closest eastbound Hilton- and Marriott-branded properties to the Hamptons, located approximately 20 miles away. New Castle Hotels & Resorts manages both properties.

“This renovation enhances the guest experience with modern design and refreshed amenities, perfectly positioning the Hilton Garden Inn Riverhead as a premier stay for travelers exploring Long Island,” said Scott McIntosh, director of sales at New Castle Hotels & Resorts. “We look forward to welcoming guests to this reimagined gateway to the Hamptons.”

Since launching its hospitality platform in 2022, Bradford Allen has acquired seven hotels totaling about 900 keys. In addition to the Riverhead hotels, the firm currently owns hotel assets in the Glendale Sports and Entertainment District in Glendale, Ariz., a suburb of Phoenix; Fishers, Ind., outside Indianapolis; and Iowa City, Iowa, near the University of Iowa campus. Bradford Allen also plans to open the new Hyatt Centric Rosemont near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport later this year.

About Bradford Allen:

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Editors:

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact David Matthews, dmatthews@taylorjohnson.com, (312) 267-4523.

Ten with Ben 030: Leasing Shifts and Market Insights with Kathleen Bertrand

Published May 8, 2025

Ben is joined by Kathleen Bertrand of Transwestern for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of the Chicago office market. They reflect on their parallel 20-year careers in commercial real estate and how market cycles — and downtown activity — are shifting again. They discuss how deal momentum is returning, particularly among smaller tenants, and how Gen Z is helping fuel the shift back to in-office work. Bertrand also shares why landlord flexibility and creative deal-making are more important than ever in a high-cost, fast-moving environment.

Prefer the audio? Listen to the MP3 or stream from your favorite podcast provider.