The Oak Brook area was on a solid run in terms of leasing activity for about three years. But recently activity there and in the surrounding suburbs slowed down a bit. Third quarter absorption came in at a negative 87,624 square feet, although year-to-date absorption was at a positive 179,169 square feet, according to Colliers International.

Changes in the regional office market have made it more challenging to fill up suburban spaces. More companies have eyed downtown space as they seek to attract employees from the younger demographics. But many have decided to spilt their offices into city and suburban operations, decisions that still give suburban landlords some real opportunities.

As reported in GlobeSt.com, for example, Brainlab, Inc., a Munich-based medical technology firm, recently took a newly designed office space encompassing the entire tenth floor at 5 Westbrook Corporate Center, and opened a new state-of-the-art customer training center in Chicago's iconic Wrigley Building.

Equity Office has recently implemented several upgrades to Westbrook Corporate Center, with significant investments and capital improvements in main lobbies, conferences facilities and its fitness center. Ownership is also developing multiple spec suites that will range from 2,000-to-6,000 square feet. The suites are slated to be completed early next year.

CHICAGO—Equity Office has just retained CBRE to lease the five-building, 1.15 million-square-foot Westbrook Corporate Center in suburban Westchester.

Pete Adamo, Josh Robbins and Tara Torbik of CBRE's Oak Brook office will handle the leasing assignment.

Tenants, including anchors Follett Corp. and Ingredion, currently occupy 83% of the complex, located at 22^nd St. and Wolf Rd., just east of Oak Brook.

“This is one of the most prominent office centers in the western suburbs,” says Robbins. “With the investments that Equity Office has already made, along with the additional capital planned, Westbrook Corporate Center will continue to be a top destination for businesses seeking quality space in the suburbs.”

The Oak Brook area was on a solid run in terms of leasing activity for about three years. But recently activity there and in the surrounding suburbs slowed down a bit. Third quarter absorption came in at a negative 87,624 square feet, although year-to-date absorption was at a positive 179,169 square feet, according to Colliers International.

Changes in the regional office market have made it more challenging to fill up suburban spaces. More companies have eyed downtown space as they seek to attract employees from the younger demographics. But many have decided to spilt their offices into city and suburban operations, decisions that still give suburban landlords some real opportunities.

As reported in GlobeSt.com, for example, Brainlab, Inc., a Munich-based medical technology firm, recently took a newly designed office space encompassing the entire tenth floor at 5 Westbrook Corporate Center, and opened a new state-of-the-art customer training center in Chicago's iconic Wrigley Building.

Equity Office has recently implemented several upgrades to Westbrook Corporate Center, with significant investments and capital improvements in main lobbies, conferences facilities and its fitness center. Ownership is also developing multiple spec suites that will range from 2,000-to-6,000 square feet. The suites are slated to be completed early next year.