DataCentersNow specializes in speculative, state-of-the-art "CyberFortresses" designed with the special requirements needed by telecommunications and Internet-related tenants. Its current portfolio includes about 500,000 sf in the Washington, DC market. This acquisition represents the firm's entry into the Chicago market. According to Chris Epstein, president of DataCentersNow, "Chicago is the only major market in the country without hosting facilities at the airport." Therefore, the firm feels the O'Hare market is ripe for this type of development.

DataCentersNow perceives data centers to be housed in non-descript, fortress-like secure facilities that provide redundancy of all mechanical, electrical and telecommunications systems. The firm is in the process of adapting the Elk Grove building for data center use. When completed in May 2001, it will lease the facility to an infrastructure-based telecommunications firm that processes e-commerce transactions and Internet communications.

Bryan Sullivan, senior associate, NAI Hiffman, represented the buyer in the transaction. The seller is Elk Grove Village-based Gullo International Development Corp. which originally started building the facility. Giovanni Gullo is president and CEO of the industrial development company.