Tom’s Recommended Reading for the Week

1. Barriers to Entry Limiting Downtown Construction – For the last 20 years, the barriers to entry to build Downtown office were not very high. That’s all changing, one reason we’re excited to present Bisnow’s A New Downtown: Leasing, Development and Investment event May 14, starting at 7am at theMart... Bisnow
   
2. Chicago landmarks commission approves Fulton-Randolph landmark district – A city panel today signed off on a proposed landmark district in the Fulton-Randolph area of the West Loop, a proposal that has drawn strong opposition from many property owners in the neighborhood. The measure would restrict the demolition or alteration of buildings in the proposed district, which would cover 74 acres stretching roughly from the… Crain’s Chicago
3. Cushman & Wakefield sold to Chicago-based DTZ parent, TPG Capital – The Midwest commercial real estate market continues to heat up. Office product, in particular, is performing well. And while prices are up in markets across the country, investors are increasingly targeting the Midwest as a source of great value and quality opportunities. At a time when big coastal markets have seen prices recover up to (and in some cases above) pre-recessionary highs… Crain’s Chicago
   
4. Hinshaw & Culbertson plans move to new Loop tower by John Buck – Law firm Hinshaw & Culbertson is close to a deal to move to a 36-story Loop office building planned by Chicago developer John Buck, a key step that could launch the third new office tower in the city since the recession. Chicago-based Hinshaw is in advanced talks to lease about 100,000 square feet in the proposed tower at 151 N. Franklin St., according to people familiar with the deal… Crain’s Chicago
5. How to Play the CRE Consolidation Game – As someone who has been active in the mergers and acquisitions world within the commercial real estate industry for the last two decades, I’ve observed the numerous transformations and adjustments commercial real estate has undergone—some of the changes have been good, some bad, but each has had a lasting impact in varying degrees…  NREI