Tag Archives: Office Market

Ten with Ben 022: Opportunities in the Market

Published November 10, 2023

Ten with Ben is back to showcase the “power of the ask.” Today’s market is all about seizing opportunities through creative negotiation. Current conditions present unique opportunities for tenants to renegotiate leases and for landlords to showcase their financial stability as a major strength. Ben offers actionable insight to both tenants and landlords on how to navigate the market effectively, from securing favorable lease terms to arranging unexpected perks.

This week, Ben gets candid about the lessons he’s learned over twenty years in real estate—and how the best advice always transcends the business. As a proud American Jew, Ben also reminds us to check in on Jewish friends and colleagues as fallout from the war in Israel continues to be felt around the world. Be present for one another—we are in this together.

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

 

Ten with Ben 021: Wrapping Up Q3 2023

Published October 27, 2023

In this week’s episode, Ben reflects on his two-decade-long journey as a tenant rep broker, shares current market conditions, and identifies recent challenges the industry is facing. From the bustling Fulton Market district to new activity throughout the Loop, get an expert view on what’s shaping Chicago’s office landscape. Post-pandemic, the deals may be smaller, but leases are being signed. Ben also touches on the perseverance of brokers, the importance of location to tenants, and just what makes Chicago such a dynamic and resilient city.

In the wake of the unprecedented terrorist attack that ignited war in Israel, we recognize this is a time of immeasurable grief and hardship for many around the world. Ben begins this week’s podcast expressing his feelings with an open discussion about his connection to Israel.

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

 

Q3/23 Downtown Market Report

Published October 10, 2023

Bradford Allen is pleased to share with you our latest office market report.

This quarter in the downtown office market:

  • Absorption turned negative with -431,000 s.f. of net absorption through Q3/23, resulting in year-to-date levels of -933,000 s.f.
  • The direct vacancy rate remained steady, sitting at 19.8% for the CBD.
  • Available sublease space ticked down to 7.6 million s.f.
  • The gross asking rate for the market remained at $44 p.s.f.

 

Bradford Allen completes 15,000 SF of new leasing at Edens Corporate Center

Published September 6, 2023

CHICAGO, IL — September 6, 2023 — Bradford Allen, a national full-service commercial real estate firm, today announced the leasing of 15,000 square feet at Edens Corporate Center in Northbrook, Illinois, a northern suburb of Chicago. Senior managing director Joel Berger represented ownership in an expansion for MyHome Protection and separate transactions that welcomed Cedar Pine Capital and Beyond Finance to the building.

Current tenant MyHome Protection—which originally took 6,614 square feet of space in November 2022—has completed a direct expansion and extension for 3,641 square feet, which brings its total to 10,255 square feet.

Cedar Pine Capital leased approximately 6,000 square feet of high-end space, citing the quality of the property, its curb appeal, an enticing new amenity center, and the strategic location as prime selling points. The deal was finalized in a direct transaction.

Beyond Finance was quick to seize a 5,500-square-foot move-in-ready suite. This swift move caters to their local executive team, who had previously commuted downtown. Securing the lease within just two weeks, Darryl Silverman of Colliers represented Beyond Finance.

“Since taking on representation of Edens Corporate Center two years ago, our focus has been offering tailored solutions that respond to unique tenant needs,” said Berger. “The quick leasing agreements we’ve secured with Cedar Pine Capital and Beyond Finance are prime examples. Whether it’s high-end, custom spaces or move-in-ready suites for a rapidly expanding business, our approach is resonating with tenants looking for something beyond the typical offerings in the North Suburban market.”

These leases emphasize Edens Corporate Center’s commitment to delivering a superior customer experience—blending urban convenience, curb appeal, and a prime location to meet the high standards of today’s premier businesses.

About Bradford Allen
Bradford Allen is a national commercial real estate firm based in the heart of 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 is the brand name of Bradford Allen Realty Services.

 

Bradford Allen Investment Advisors Acquires Office Portfolio in Greenwich, Conn.

Published November 7, 2022

New York, NY — November 7, 2022 — Bradford Allen Investment Advisors (BAIA), a subsidiary of Bradford Allen, has announced the acquisition of a two-building, Class A office portfolio located in Greenwich, Conn. The portfolio comprises 1 Lafayette Place and 1 E. Putnam Avenue—both 100% leased—and was sold through a joint venture between Global Gate Capital and Lincoln Property Company. Steve Bardsley, Jeffrey Dunne, and Travis Langer of CBRE represented the sellers.

Situated near Greenwich Avenue in the Central Business District, the 90,268-square-foot, two-building complex includes high-profile, institutional tenants such as Wells Fargo and BlackRock.

“Greenwich is already one of the strongest CBD markets in the country and still holds immense potential. These buildings are examples of the market’s attractive conditions and high demand, and the acquisition reflects our strong belief in the ability of physical office space to remain the central pillar to transacting business,” said Jason Gold, executive managing director at Bradford Allen.

The transaction marks the Chicago-based real estate firm’s first New York-area acquisition in a move that further underscores its commitment to the local market. Bradford Allen opened its first dedicated New York office in 2021, tapping veteran broker Glenn Isaacson to oversee operations. The firm’s New York office is located at 777 Third Avenue in Manhattan.

About Bradford Allen
Bradford Allen (BA) is a national commercial real estate firm based in the heart of downtown Chicago. Founded in 2003 by principals Jeffrey Bernstein and Laurence 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, contact Jeremy Barewin at [email protected] or (312) 267-4533.

 

Bradford Allen represents Restoration Builders in 10,000-SF relocation and expansion

Published June 7, 2022

CHICAGO, IL — Joel Berger and Craig Nadborne, Senior Managing Directors at Bradford Allen, represented Restoration Builders in the relocation and expansion of the repair and restoration company’s Midwest corporate office. Previously located in Elmhurst, Restoration Builders will now office out of a 10,000-square-foot space at 263 Shuman Boulevard in Naperville, Illinois.

Known as The Shuman, the recently redeveloped 350,000-square-foot office building delivers an urban vibe to the suburban office landscape, promising tenants the most comprehensive workplace experience outside of the Chicago CBD. Kellen Monti of JLL represented the building in the sublease of the space.

“We were thrilled to help place Restoration Builders in such a terrific, modern space. The relocation is a great example of what we’re seeing more and more—companies searching out amenity-laden spaces in Class A buildings to entice workers back to the office full time. The Shuman offers an environment that gets tenants excited about coming to work,” said Berger.

 

First Quarter 2016 Chicago Downtown Office Market Report

Published April 26, 2016

The downtown Chicago office market started 2016 off with a flurry of strong activity. Large deal transactions included CNA’s announcement of its relocation to 151 North Franklin for 227,0000 square feet and Cars.com’s transaction to move into 158,000 square feet at 300 S Riverside.

The vacancy rate dropped to 12.0% thanks to over 230,000 square feet of positive absorption. The East Loop contributed the most to this number, with Clark Hill and McDermott, Will & Emery both moving into Prudential Plaza for a total of over 120,000 square feet.

Rental rates remained steady with the direct gross average asking rate ending the quarter at $36.40. A four percent growth year-over-year.

Click here to read full report

 

Mid-Year 2015 Chicago Suburban Office Market Report

Published July 13, 2015

Suburban Office Market Continues to Strengthen; Vacancy and Availability Rates Decrease

The Suburban office market continued to improve going into the 3Q of 2015. The vacancy rate decreased from 18.9% to 17.8% and the availability rate decreased from 24.4% to 22.3% year over year, respectively. While YTD net absorption is essentially flat at negative 27,182 SF thru the mid-year, it is significantly better than the negative 518,096 thru mid-year 2014. Overall these statistics indicate that the suburban market is becoming healthier and more dynamic.

Read Full Market Report Here

 

Second Quarter 2015 Chicago Downtown Office Market Report

Published July 13, 2015

Downtown Market Approaches Equilibrium as the Vacancy Rate Continues to Decrease and Asking Rates Increase

Chicago’s downtown office market is continuing to become tighter. The overall vacancy rate has decreased from 13.4% to 12.6%, year over year. This is the lowest it has been since the end of 2008 and now brings the market almost to equilibrium. Simultaneously Chicago’s unemployment rate continued to improve in the second quarter. According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, Chicago’s unemployment rate decrease from 7.7% in May 2014 to 6.7%, May 2015.

Read Full Market Report Here