Joi Harrell

Joi Harrell

Derrick Wille

The Vogt House

As more requests for tours and office lease proposals emerge this spring, the owner of the former Bon-Ton Stores Inc. headquarters space in downtown Milwaukee recruited a new brokerage firm.

Urban Innovations recently signed six new or renewing leases in River North. Aaron Zaretsky and Candice Murphy of Urban Innovations represented ownership on all six transactions.

Rising vacancy and the foggy future of office demand are pushing landlords to embrace shared workspace providers in ways they were reluctant to do before.

Downtown Chicago remains largely quiet during the workweek, but some landlords are beginning to notice a slight change in tenants’ attitudes toward returning to their offices. Many are making contact and inquiring about what the protocol is for coming back and how they can accomplish it in safety.

North Wells Capital and Urban Innovations announced that Workbox Coworking Company, a collaborative coworking center and start-up accelerator, signed a long-term, full-floor lease for 15,295 square feet at 306 W. Erie in Chicago.

“As developers and property managers, our role is to look forward, putting in place the systems for a safe return to the office and anticipating what companies will need next,” said Jim Fox, CEO of North Wells. “The size of these buildings, the vibrancy and accessibility of the neighborhood, and all of the in-place systems prove that Verso is built for this.”

The renovated former headquarters of The Bon-Ton Stores Inc. in downtown Milwaukee is set to welcome its first new tenant, North Shore Healthcare.

Urban Innovations recently signed four new leases in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. These businesses are expanding and relocating from other locations in the Chicago market.

As the downtown repopulates, owners of its loft-style buildings, along with developers of new, boutique offices, say workers will find it easier to come back to their properties. Cramming onto elevators is not required, and with keyless access points, tenants can get in and out each day with a minimum of personal contact. The low-rise buildings also provide more light and air than traditional office towers.

Urban Innovations and its development affiliate, North Wells Capital, are thrilled to announce the acquisition of a newly commissioned painting entitled SCAPE by internationally acclaimed artist, Maya Hayuk. The installation was unveiled on January 6, 2020 in the lobby of the 445 N. Wells building lobby as part of its renovation.

“I was drawn to a company with people I enjoyed working with. That spirit of camaraderie is still a vital component of Urban Innovations’ culture. I was fortunate to begin my career with a company that was pioneering development of a largely neglected area of Chicago; it’s been exciting to be an active part of River North’s transformation into one of the most vibrant, active, truly work/live neighborhoods in the city.”

Urban Innovations completed construction of a ground-up, three-story, 16-unit affordable housing complex in Evanston, Illinois, on behalf of HOW, (Housing Opportunities for Women). The Chicago-based nonprofit provides permanent solutions for its clients through prevention strategies, individualized support services and expanded, affordable, supportive housing.