CHICAGO—The migration of many huge firms from the suburbs to the CBD has developed into one of the region's most notable trends, but many others have decided to recommit and expand their suburban space. Direct Energy, for example, a North American energy and energy related services provider with nearly 5 million residential and commercial customers, recently expanded its operations in northwest suburban Buffalo Grove, and like an increasing number of CBD occupants, has also brought in the open office concept.

The company now has almost 300 employees and occupies about 57,000 square feet in the town's Abbott Court, a boost of about 75%. It added more than 100 new jobs this year alone, and continues to hire for its businesses located here, which include Home Warranty of America, Direct Energy Protection Plans and Direct Energy Rentals.

“We have been in this area for years and this is where our employees and operations are," Scott Boose, president of Direct Energy Services, tells GlobeSt.com. "When we needed to expand, it was easy to do so here. Buffalo Grove is a critical location for us."