Buy, Sell, & Lease Industrial Space in Lake Forest

Lake Forest, IL, is renowned for its historic charm, luxury residential estates, and strong sense of community. While often associated with high-end residential properties, Lake Forest also presents excellent opportunities in the industrial real estate market. Positioned along major transportation routes such as I-94 and close to Chicago, Lake Forest is well-suited for businesses looking to buy, sell, or lease industrial space, especially those seeking a balance of prestige and operational convenience.

Who Chooses To Locate In Lake Forest?

The Lake Forest industrial market caters to a wide range of industries, from advanced manufacturing to warehousing and distribution. With the growing demand for industrial space driven by the rise of e-commerce, supply chain optimization, and local manufacturing, Lake Forest is emerging as a competitive market for industrial real estate. Businesses looking to establish or expand their operations in the North Shore area will find a variety of property types that suit their needs.

Therefore, Lake Forest’s appeal goes beyond just location; it also offers a business-friendly environment, characterized by its high-quality infrastructure, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to an educated workforce. These factors make Lake Forest an attractive destination for companies looking to buy, sell, or lease industrial space.

Meet Our Lake Forest Industrial Space Experts

As Vice President of Sales and Leasing, Gordon Lamphere J.D. guides our industrial real estate brokerage team.

Gordon’s advice is regularly featured in local and national press, and industry leaders recognize him as an industrial real estate expert.

He hosts Chicagoland’s Top Commercial Real Estate Podcast (The Real Finds Podcast) and is globally recognized for his industrial transactional and commercial real estate marketing expertise.

• Listen To The Podcast
• Follow Gordon’s Socials

How We Serve Your Industrial Real Estate Needs

Our agents do more than just show you properties; they act as strategic advisors who can:

• Access off-market opportunities: Lake Forest is a highly competitive market, so as a result, many of the best properties never make it to public listings. Our agents have access to a network of sellers, developers, and landlords that allow us to source exclusive, off-market deals. This is especially advantageous when you’re looking to buy industrial space or lease industrial space in a competitive market.
• Negotiate favorable terms: In a seller’s market like Lake Forest, it’s easy for buyers or tenants to get squeezed. Therefore, our agents help clients by securing flexible terms, favorable pricing, and additional perks. This includes maximizing tenant improvement allowances, giving you an edge when you lease industrial space or buy industrial space.
• Handle zoning and regulatory challenges: Industrial transactions often involve complex zoning and permitting processes. Our agents are experienced in navigating local municipalities and can help expedite the process, saving you time and money whether you’re trying to buy industrial space or sell industrial space.
• Provide real-time market insights: Real estate markets shift quickly, especially in competitive regions like Chicagoland. Our agents continuously monitor market trends and local developments, ensuring that you are always making decisions based on the latest, most accurate information when you’re looking to lease industrial space, sell industrial space, or buy industrial space.

Buying Industrial Space in Lake Forest

The Advantages of Buying Industrial Property

Investing in industrial property in Lake Forest offers several long-term benefits. Given the increasing demand for industrial facilities due to e-commerce, logistics, and manufacturing growth, purchasing industrial real estate in Lake Forest provides businesses with operational stability and the potential for significant returns on investment.

Lake Forest offers diverse industrial properties, from smaller manufacturing plants to larger distribution centers, making it an ideal location for companies across various industries. Its proximity to both Chicago and Milwaukee, as well as its connections to major transportation routes, makes it an attractive option for businesses that need efficient logistics and access to a well-connected transportation network.

Owning industrial space also gives businesses greater control over their operational environment, allowing them to customize the space to meet specific needs while avoiding rising lease costs. The ability to build equity in desirable Lake Forest also adds to the long-term financial benefits.

Key Considerations for Industrial Space Buyers

Before purchasing industrial property in Lake Forest, it’s crucial to assess several factors:

1. Location and Accessibility: Proximity to major transportation routes, rail lines, and ports is essential for businesses relying on logistics. Lake Forest’s location along I-94 and its proximity to key transportation hubs make it an ideal base for companies seeking efficient distribution channels.
2. Zoning and Regulations: Ensure that the property is zoned appropriately for industrial use and that it meets your specific operational requirements. Lake Forest has local regulations that may impact the development or use of industrial space, so understanding zoning laws is critical.
3. Building Condition: Evaluate the current state of the property, including the structural integrity of the building, the functionality of utilities, and any required upgrades. Older industrial properties may need renovations to meet modern operational standards.
4. Future Expansion: Consider your company’s long-term needs. Does the property allow for future growth or expansion if necessary? It’s important to ensure that your investment supports your business goals, now and in the future.

Selling Industrial Space in Lake Forest

Maximizing Your Property’s Value

For property owners looking to sell industrial space in Lake Forest, it’s essential to employ a strategic approach. Given the robust demand for industrial real estate, especially in desirable areas like Lake Forest, sellers can benefit from positioning their property to attract the right buyers.

Highlighting the property’s key features—such as its location, proximity to major transportation routes, and overall condition—is crucial. Buyers are often drawn to properties that offer logistical advantages, making industrial spaces close to highways or with easy access to distribution channels particularly valuable.

Our experienced team can help you navigate the sales process, from determining the right asking price to marketing the property effectively. We connect sellers with qualified buyers, including corporations, investors, and developers, ensuring that your industrial space receives the attention it deserves.

Steps to Successfully Sell Industrial Space

1. Comprehensive Property Evaluation: We conduct a detailed analysis of your property’s value, considering recent comparable sales, location, and market conditions. As a result, our agents ensure your property is competitively priced and positioned to attract serious buyers.
2. Effective Marketing: We utilize a multi-channel marketing approach to reach potential buyers. Our strategy includes online listings, targeted digital advertising, and leveraging our extensive network of contacts in the industrial real estate sector.
3. Negotiation and Transaction Support: From receiving offers to finalizing the sale, our team provides expert negotiation support to help you secure the best terms. We handle all aspects of the closing process, ensuring a smooth and efficient transaction.

Leasing Industrial Space in Lake Forest

Flexible Leasing Solutions for Businesses

Leasing industrial space in Lake Forest offers businesses flexibility without the long-term financial commitment of property ownership. For businesses experiencing rapid growth or those that require flexibility due to fluctuating market conditions, leasing is often the ideal solution.

Lake Forest offers a range of industrial spaces available for lease, from small-scale manufacturing facilities to large, high-tech warehouses. Many of these properties feature modern amenities such as advanced security systems, energy-efficient infrastructure, and customizable layouts to meet the specific needs of businesses in logistics, manufacturing, or distribution.

Leasing also allows businesses to preserve capital for other operational needs, such as investing in technology or expanding workforce capabilities, making it a popular choice for both startups and established companies.

Key Industrial Space Leasing Considerations

1. Lease Types: Industrial leases come in various forms, including gross leases, net leases, and triple-net (NNN) leases. Understanding the differences is critical for determining which lease structure aligns best with your financial and operational goals.
2. Lease Term: Longer leases can provide stability, while shorter-term leases offer more flexibility. Consider your business’s growth trajectory when negotiating lease terms.
3. Tenant Improvements: Landlords may offer tenant improvement allowances to help businesses modify the space to meet their operational needs. This could include upgrades to loading docks, office space buildouts, or enhanced energy systems.
4. Expansion Options: If your business anticipates growth, negotiating the option to expand into adjacent space within the property or another building on the premises can provide future flexibility.

Why Work with Our Team in Lake Forest

Expertise in Lake Forest’s Industrial Market

Navigating the industrial real estate market in Lake Forest requires deep market knowledge, familiarity with local regulations, and a keen understanding of property values. Our team of real estate professionals specializes in helping businesses buy, sell, and lease industrial space in Lake Forest and the surrounding North Shore area.

We provide personalized service throughout the process, guiding you every step of the way—whether you’re expanding your business operations, investing in industrial real estate, or seeking flexible leasing solutions.

Access to Off-Market Opportunities

In competitive markets like Lake Forest, some of the best industrial properties never make it to public listings. Our team has access to exclusive off-market opportunities through our network of sellers, landlords, and developers. This gives our clients a unique advantage in finding the right industrial space to meet their needs.

Data-Driven Insights

We continuously monitor market trends, local developments, and zoning changes to provide our clients with the most up-to-date market insights. Our data-driven approach ensures that you make informed decisions, whether you’re buying, selling, or leasing industrial space in Lake Forest.

Points of Interest in Lake Forest

Lake Forest is rich in cultural, recreational, and historical attractions that enhance its appeal as a business location. Here are six key points of interest that make Lake Forest a desirable place to work and live:

Market Square: The heart of downtown Lake Forest, Market Square is a historic shopping district featuring a mix of boutique shops, restaurants, and professional services. Its charming architecture and pedestrian-friendly layout make it a popular destination for residents and visitors.

Lake Forest College: A private liberal arts college, Lake Forest College contributes to the city’s vibrant intellectual community. The college’s presence adds to the local workforce and offers opportunities for business partnerships and events.

The Gorton Community Center: This cultural hub hosts a variety of events, including concerts, lectures, and community gatherings. The Gorton Community Center serves as a focal point for cultural enrichment and networking opportunities.

Open Lands and Forest Preserves: Lake Forest is known for its commitment to preserving natural spaces. The city’s numerous open lands, parks, and forest preserves provide scenic beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, enhancing the quality of life for residents and employees.

Lake Forest Beach: Situated along Lake Michigan, Lake Forest Beach offers stunning views and recreational activities, including swimming, boating, and picnicking. The beach is a local gem that enhances the city’s allure for businesses and their employees.

Contact Us Today

If you’re looking to buy, sell, or lease industrial space in Lake Forest, our team is here to help. Contact us today to explore your options and learn more about how we can help you navigate the Lake Forest industrial real estate market.