Mark Stables, with Grubb & Ellis, represented Liberty Mutual in the build-to-suit sales transaction. Scott Marshall, senior leasing representative with Duke's Chicago office, represented Duke in the transaction.

The office building will allow Liberty Mutual to consolidate from four separate locations in the area and will house approximately 700 Liberty Mutual employees. "They feel it is more efficient to get everybody under one roof," Schnur says. Liberty Mutual has been leasing about 50,000 sf from Duke in Downers Grove, IL for at least the past 10 years. The 148,000 sf will be slightly more than what Liberty Mutual is leasing now, but Schnur says he does not have exact figures.

"They are going to own this facility and, over time, I think there are economic benefits to developing LEED [certified buildings]," he says. The building will have energy savings through the use of daylight and energy efficient systems and collecting rain water to use for irrigation. For LEED certification, Duke is also using some recycled products in the construction. Construction is expected to be complete next summer.