Knowing a new “L” station was coming to the West Loop, real-estate developer Sterling Bay nailed down its strategy: It would buy commercial or industrial buildings west of the Loop and refashion them into light-filled, loft-style office space. Wherever possible, high ceilings would be retained, as would vintage details such as iron wheels and terra cotta exteriors. Luxuries such as roof decks would be added.
The aesthetic would prove enticing for tech companies, whose founders put in long hours and want their offices to feel like homes.
“I’m absolutely insanely impressed at the niche they identified,” said Chicago real-estate broker and investor Sean Conlon. “They were doing high-tech office space when it seemed kind of novel or idiosyncratic. They’re now the go-to guys when any high-tech company wants unique space.”
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