And the buildings themselves give tenants “more of an urban space, the kind you see in downtown Chicago,” he adds. The renovated atriums, fairly rare in the suburbs, now have three Wi-Fi lounges where tenants can go if they want to work outside their offices. A new fitness center also supports a healthier lifestyle. In addition, Equus modernized the elevator systems, made HVAC upgrades and added a new energy efficiency package featuring new window glazing, LED lighting and electric car charging stations in the covered parking garage. Other upgrades include an outdoor seating area surrounded by a newly landscaped patio with adaptive walkways and outdoor Wi-Fi access, as well as improved visitor parking and wayfinding, an updated deli and a sundry shop.

In addition to expanded food service, the complex also hosts one of Chicagoland's three Ditka's restaurants. “I would call this a destination restaurant,” Ishler says, “and it really helps gives the plaza an identity.” Tenants can take advantage of the restaurant's private meeting rooms as well as reserved, in-suite catering from the staff.

Avison Young's new leasing team, along with the existing managers from JLL and the owners, will co-host an open house later in the year. The event will feature tours of the updated common areas and the full-floor, 23,704-square-foot vacancy on the fourth floor of the property's north tower.

“The suburban buildings that attract investment have tended to outperform the market, and that's the expectation with Mid America Plaza,” Ishler says. “By virtue of its location and the quality of the asset, this should be a top-performing building.”