As Companies Decamp for the City, Suburban Office Parks Struggle

Mirroring a nationwide trend, office parks in suburban Chicago are emptying out as companies increasingly favor urban locations. As a result, developers and local officials are having to think creatively about possibilities for office park reuse.

2 minute read

August 13, 2012, 10:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


When Motorola Mobility announced recently that it would be trading in its home in Libertyville for prime space in Chicago's Merchandise Mart, it joined BP Amoco, United Airlines, and Sara Lee in helping to reverse the corporate exodus from Chicago, and cities across America, that marked the rise of the suburbs in the decades following World War II.

For reporter David Roeder, Motorola's move is, "another example of how the isolated, splendidly landscaped
corporate base in the suburbs has fallen out of favor." With office space in the suburbs facing a "hard sell" since the start of the financial crisis, "these compounds by and large must look to the private market for a new reason to exist."

"Daniel Miranda, president of HSA Commercial Real
Estate, said possibilities include turning some campuses into retail
centers, perhaps outlet malls, or converting them for medical or
educational uses. Some suburbs, Miranda said, may wish to convert the
campuses into a carefully planned 'mini-town.'"

"Many analysts have said a desire to recruit
younger, tech-savvy workers drives the job shift to downtown," notes Roeder. "Tony
Smaniotto, senior managing director at Studley Inc., said cost control
is another factor."

Some analysts however, like Art Burrows, senior vice president at NAI Hiffman, are skeptical of how long this trend will continue. He believes, "the suburbs will
come back when there's a clear price advantage and housing improves."

 

Wednesday, August 8, 2012 in Chicago Sun-Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog