Northwestern Mutual Logo

3 W. Hawthorn Pkwy
Vernon Hills, IL 60061


Facing an expiring lease and a need for a refreshed office space, Northwestern Mutual partnered with Bradford Allen to explore relocation options. After an extensive market search, it became clear that the best solution was to expand within their existing building. Led by Ben Azulay, the Bradford Allen team negotiated favorable lease terms to expand and relocate to another floor, helping Northwestern Mutual achieve a modern, collaborative office that supports future growth and impresses clients.

Initial Challenges

  • Northwestern Mutual was approaching the end of their lease and faced a critical decision: relocate to a new office space or explore options within their current building.
  • The firm’s existing office had become outdated and no longer aligned with their growth strategy.
  • Northwestern Mutual’s structure, with over 40 financial advisors operating independent practices, introduced the challenge of balancing a wide variety of individual preferences with the need for a cohesive, unified office environment.
  • Several relocation options were explored, but none provided the accessibility, convenience, and strategic advantages of their current location, which had been a long-standing hub for client interactions and team collaboration.
  • The challenge was not simply finding more space but preserving operational efficiencies while delivering a refreshed, state-of-the-art workspace to support future growth.

BA Solutions

  • BA conducted a comprehensive market search to explore relocation opportunities, ensuring Northwestern Mutual was fully informed about all available options.
  • Personalized tours were provided for key decision-makers, allowing the firm’s leadership to understand their options while considering the diverse needs of their financial advisors.
  • After evaluating several alternatives, the team determined that the best solution was to expand and redesign their existing office space.
  • BA negotiated with building ownership to secure additional space, ensuring Northwestern Mutual could grow within their current building without disrupting operations.
  • Leveraging their market expertise, BA secured favorable lease terms that supported Northwestern Mutual’s long-term business objectives.
  • The team facilitated the entire process from the initial market search through lease negotiation, providing ongoing strategic guidance and ensuring a seamless transition.

“The office space has created an environment that enhances our clients’ perspective of what we do.”

– Jeff Sons
Wealth Management Advisor, Northwestern Mutual


Proven Results

  • The newly expanded and redesigned office provides a modern, collaborative environment that fosters stronger team engagement and creates a more dynamic workspace.
  • The upgraded space serves as a key client-facing asset, creating a professional and welcoming setting that elevates client interactions and supports business development efforts.
  • The decision to remain in their current building proved to be strategically sound, balancing the firm’s immediate space needs with long-term operational continuity.
  • Northwestern Mutual expressed high satisfaction with Bradford Allen’s guidance, highlighting the importance of working with a trusted, experienced partner who can navigate complex real estate decisions with ease.

Transform your own office space

As expert tenant representatives, we focus our strategy on the business objectives of our clients. Each service we provide is measured by how well it achieves or enhances client goals. Bradford Allen clients gain the knowledge necessary to quantify their real estate requirements, determine the positives and negatives of available options, and analyze the financial implications involved. To achieve similarly impactful results for your business, consider contacting our experienced brokers today.

PRINCIPAL & PRESIDENT, CHICAGO REGION
BEN AZULAY
(312) 994 5774
Chicago, IL