CHICAGO—Tucker Development has spent the past few years developing several massive mixed-use projects in New Jersey, but the Chicago-based company recently decided to focus more attention on its hometown and continues to bring on new people to help with that effort. In its latest move, it has hired Deno Varlas to serve as chief financial officer. He will manage all aspects of financial and tax reporting, treasury, investment analysis and company operations.

“From a demographic standpoint, Chicago has so much to offer,” Richard Tucker, the company's president and chief executive officer, tells GlobeSt.com. It has become popular with millennials attracted to its jobs market and empty nesters throughout the region have begun establishing second homes. And both groups have shown a desire to live in communities with quick and easy access to transit options, restaurants, entertainment and other retail.

To satisfy that growing demand, Tucker plans to develop mixed-use projects here similar to its work on the East Coast, which includes Hudson Lights, a one million square foot, mixed-use redevelopment located in Fort Lee, NJ, at the entrance to the George Washington Bridge. Phase I will feature about 143,000 square feet of retail space, including an eight-screen movie theater, and 276 luxury apartments.