Buy, Sell, & Lease Office Space in Chicago
Van Vlissingen and Co. represents office tenants, buyers, and landlords across Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Gordon Lamphere and our office team focus on tenant representation from 3,000 to 50,000 square feet and leasing, sales, and property management for buildings up to 1,000,000 square feet. Van Vlissingen and Co. performs more than 100 commercial real estate transactions annually, and our team has completed over $3 billion in transaction volume.
We have operated continuously in Chicagoland commercial real estate since 1879.
Our Team’s Office Specialization In Chicago
Tenant Representation
3,000 – 50,000 SF Spaces
Leasing, Sales, & Property Management
Buildings up to 1,000,000 SF Corporate headquarters, multi-tenant, and business park portfolios.
Why Choose Chicago for Office Space?
Chicago is an international city known for its deep-rooted business culture, strategic location in the Midwest, and extensive transportation networks. The city offers unparalleled access to talent, industry-leading companies, and cultural richness, making it an attractive location for companies of all sizes. From high-rise buildings in the Loop to creative office spaces in revitalized neighborhoods, Chicago’s real estate market offers diverse options tailored to today’s business needs.
Market Distress: Opportunities and Risks
The pandemic accelerated remote and hybrid work trends, leading to a significant decrease in office space demand. Companies have been re-evaluating their real estate footprints, resulting in a wave of vacancies and declining rents. This downturn has created opportunities for buyers and tenants to secure prime office space at prices not seen in years. While this market presents a chance to save money, it also comes with risks, including potential building obsolescence and financial instability among landlords. Distressed properties can offer savings but also pose the danger of neglected maintenance and compliance issues. Our team navigates these opportunities and risks, ensuring you find office space that supports your business and investment goals.
What Drives the Chicago Office Market?
Chicago’s economic strength comes from its diversity across sectors such as finance, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and professional services. Home to a mix of established corporations and innovative startups, Chicago’s economic ecosystem supports a healthy demand for office space. Businesses looking to buy office space in Chicago or lease office space in Chicago benefit from the city’s robust commercial infrastructure, dynamic workforce, and collaborative industry networks.
Why Chicagoland is a Unique Office Space Market
Chicagoland’s office real estate market is experiencing a shift as companies embrace hybrid work models and downsize their office requirements. The vast market spans downtown Chicago, known for its high-rise office towers to the sprawling suburban office parks. With vacancy rates rising, it’s a market filled with opportunities for buyers and tenants. Current market conditions have led to a decrease in rental rates, making it an advantageous time for businesses looking to lease office space in prime locations that were previously unattainable.
Buying Office Space in Chicago
Purchasing office space offers businesses long-term stability, customization potential, and investment growth. Chicago’s market is diverse, offering everything from historic lofts to sleek modern towers and creative office parks in the suburbs. Buying office space allows companies to build equity and establish a permanent presence, making it a strategic move in a competitive market.
Key Considerations When Buying Office Space in Chicago:
- Location: Proximity to major transportation hubs like the ‘L’ train, highways, and airports can significantly affect convenience for employees and clients. High-demand areas such as the Loop, River North, and Fulton Market offer prime visibility, while neighborhoods like West Loop and Lincoln Park provide a trendy, unique atmosphere.
- Building Condition and Amenities: Chicago offers a range of office properties, from historic charm to modern buildings with cutting-edge technology. Buyers should assess structural integrity, energy efficiency, accessibility, and specific amenities tailored to their business needs.
- Zoning and Compliance: Each Chicago neighborhood has distinct zoning regulations that can impact potential uses, future redevelopment, or expansion of the property. Proper due diligence on zoning restrictions and local building codes is essential.
- Market Trends: Keeping a pulse on market dynamics, such as vacancy rates, price trends, and demand shifts, allows buyers to make informed decisions and maximize their investment value.
Selling Office Space in Chicago
Selling office space in Chicago can be highly lucrative for property owners due to the city’s strong demand for prime locations. However, maximizing the property’s value requires a strategic approach tailored to market conditions and buyer preferences.
Strategies to Maximize Your Property’s Value:
- Strategic Marketing: Highlighting unique features such as prime location, recent upgrades, and accessibility is key. Our agents utilize targeted advertising, online platforms, and industry networks to reach potential buyers.
- Positioning and Staging: Preparing your property to stand out, including minor improvements or staging, can significantly influence buyer perception and value.
- Market Analysis: Our team provides comprehensive evaluations of your property, including comparable sales and market conditions, to set a competitive price and attract serious buyers.
- Negotiation and Closing Support: We guide you through negotiations to ensure favorable terms and manage every detail of the closing process for a seamless transaction.
Leasing Office Space in Chicago
Leasing office space in Chicago offers businesses the flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions without committing to long-term ownership. The city’s leasing market ranges from high-rise downtown offices to coworking and creative spaces, enabling businesses to maintain operational agility.
Key Leasing Considerations:
- Lease Structures: Our agents help you choose from gross, net, or triple-net leases based on your operational and financial needs, ensuring cost transparency and predictability.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Lease terms should align with your business’s growth strategy. Whether you prefer stability through long-term leases or short-term flexibility, we tailor leasing solutions to fit your needs.
- Tenant Improvement Allowances: Many landlords offer allowances for tenant upgrades, enabling companies to customize spaces to fit their needs, from technology upgrades to layout modifications.
- Location and Accessibility: Choosing a location that aligns with your company’s culture and operational goals is essential, from bustling business hubs like the Loop to quieter, creative neighborhoods.
- Expansion Rights: Anticipating business growth? We negotiate lease terms that provide the option to expand within the same property, minimizing disruption during scaling phases.
Leasing office space in Chicago allows businesses to preserve capital, gain access to prime locations, and adapt to changing needs without the long-term commitment of property ownership.
Why Our Agents Stand Out in Chicago
Our agents are at the forefront of modern office space trends, focusing on creating work environments that align with evolving business needs in a market driven by buyers and tenants. We specialize in designing adaptable and innovative spaces that support hybrid work models, transforming older buildings into vibrant, competitive office spaces. By identifying properties with stable tenancies, even in high-vacancy markets, we create lasting value for investors and provide clients with spaces that retain and attract employees.
As Vice President of Sales & Leasing, Gordon Lamphere, J.D. leads Van Vlissingen and Co.’s office brokerage team. Ranked Chicagoland’s #1 commercial real estate broker for 2026 by multiple industry publications, with transaction activity independently verified through Crexi, Gordon and his team close 100+ transactions annually. His advice is regularly featured in local and national press, and he hosts The Real Finds Podcast, Chicagoland’s leading commercial real estate podcast.
Our Agents Do More Than Show Office Space; They Act As Strategic Advisors Who Can:
- Navigate Distressed Market Conditions: We work with distressed properties, helping buyers, sellers, and tenants understand financial stability and mitigate potential risks.
- Create Adaptable Workspaces: By focusing on flexibility and hybrid-friendly spaces, we ensure your office environment meets current and future workforce needs.
- Access Off-Market Opportunities: Our extensive network allows us to source exclusive deals tailored to your business goals.
- Transform and Rejuvenate Buildings: Our expertise in repurposing and modernizing older properties maximizes market value.
- Negotiate Optimal Terms: We leverage market knowledge to secure favorable lease terms, tenant improvement packages, and pricing options.
- Manage Zoning and Regulatory Issues: We guide you through zoning transitions, ensuring properties align with current and evolving market demands.
Points of Interest in Chicago
Chicago’s rich culture, history, and economic vibrancy make it a desirable location for businesses. Here are six key points of interest that enhance the city’s appeal:
- The Loop: The central business and financial district known for high-rise buildings and corporate headquarters.
- Fulton Market District: A booming hub for tech, creative, and innovative businesses.
- Magnificent Mile: Prime commercial real estate along with world-class shopping and dining.
- Chicago Riverwalk: A scenic mix of business and leisure spaces.
- University of Chicago & Northwestern University: Major contributors to innovation and talent development.
- West Loop: A trendsetting district with coworking spaces, tech startups, and great dining.
Understanding Chicago’s Neighborhoods
Tailored Solutions for Every Client
At Van Vlissingen and Co., we understand that every client has unique commercial real estate needs. Our personalized and client-driven approach ensures we deliver solutions that align with your goals. Whether you are looking to lease, buy, sell, or manage commercial property in Chicago, our team of professionals is here to help you navigate the complexities of the market and achieve the best possible outcome.
Partner with Our Commercial Real Estate Agents In Chicago
When you choose Van Vlissingen and Co., you partner with a team of experts dedicated to your success. Our deep understanding of the Chicago market and our commitment to excellence make us the preferred choice for businesses seeking.
Learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your commercial real estate goals. Let us use our experience, market insights, and dedication to ensure your success in the competitive Chicago commercial real estate market.
Where Do We Broker Office Space?
We handle office assignments across the city and the collar suburbs. Follow any market for the local breakdown — submarket detail, labor pool, and transit access.
- Office Space in Arlington Heights, IL
- Office Space in Buffalo Grove, IL
- Office Space in Elk Grove Village, IL
- Office Space in Lake Forest, IL
- Office Space in Schaumburg, IL
We also broker industrial space in Chicago and retail space in Chicago, and provide commercial property management across the region.
Chicago Office Real Estate FAQs
What size office requirements does Van Vlissingen and Co. handle in Chicago?
Our tenant representation practice covers requirements from 3,000 to 50,000 square feet. On the leasing, sales, and property management side we handle office buildings up to 1,000,000 square feet, including single-tenant assets, multi-tenant buildings, business park portfolios, and corporate campuses.
Which Chicago submarkets do you cover?
We work across the central business district and the surrounding submarkets, and throughout the collar suburbs, with dedicated market pages for Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Elk Grove Village, Lake Forest, and Schaumburg. Suburban and downtown office trade on very different terms, and we underwrite them separately.
Do you represent tenants or landlords?
Both, but never on the same assignment. We work one side of the table and we say which side before we begin. Tenant assignments cover requirements definition, market survey, net effective financial comparison, and lease negotiation. Landlord assignments cover positioning, marketing, prospect qualification, and negotiation through execution.
Do you handle office investment sales in Chicago?
Yes. We represent both buyers and sellers, including 1031 exchange buyers working against identification and closing deadlines. We underwrite on rent roll durability, weighted average lease term, rollover exposure, tenant credit, and the true cost of deferred capital, against comparables from transactions we negotiated.
Who is the best commercial real estate broker in Chicago?
Choose a brokerage with closed transactions in your specific submarket, not just city-wide coverage. Van Vlissingen and Co. performs more than 100 commercial real estate transactions annually, and our team has completed over $3 billion in transaction volume. The firm has operated in Chicagoland commercial real estate since 1879. Gordon Lamphere leads the office practice.
Do you manage office property in Chicago?
Yes. We provide comprehensive property management for office assets, covering lease administration, operating expense reconciliation, building engineering, vendor management, and monthly financial reporting.
Whether you’re buying office space in Chicago, selling office space in Chicago, or leasing office space in Chicago, our expert agents offer unmatched market knowledge, strategic guidance, and tailored solutions. Contact us today to find the perfect office space to support your business goals and maximize your investment in this dynamic market.
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Areas Our Office Space Experts Serve:
Addison, IL
Algonquin, IL
Alsip, IL
Antioch, IL
Arlington Heights, IL
Aurora, IL
Barrington, IL
Bartlett, IL
Bellwood, IL
Bensenville, IL
Berkeley, IL
Berwyn, IL
Bloomingdale, IL
Blue Island, IL
Bridgeview, IL
Broadview, IL
Brookfield, IL
Buffalo Grove, IL
Burbank, IL
Calumet City, IL
Carol Stream, IL
Cary, IL
Chicago Heights, IL
Chicago Ridge, IL
Chicago, IL
Cicero, IL
Clarendon Hills, IL
Country Club Hills, IL
Crystal Lake, IL
Darien, IL
Deerfield, IL
Des Plaines, IL
Dolton, IL
Downers Grove, IL
Elk Grove Village, IL
Elmhurst, IL
Elmwood Park, IL
Eola, IL
Evanston, IL
Evergreen Park, IL
Flossmoor, IL
Forest Park, IL
Fort Sheridan, IL
Fox Lake, IL
Fox River Grove, IL
Fox Valley, IL
Franklin Park, IL
Glen Ellyn, IL
Glencoe, IL
Glendale Heights, IL
Glenview, IL
Glenwood, IL
Golf, IL
Grayslake, IL
Great Lakes, IL
Gurnee, IL
Hanover Park, IL
Harvard, IL
Harvey, IL
Harwood Heights, IL
Hazel Crest, IL
Hebron, IL
Hickory Hills, IL
Highland Park, IL
Highwood, IL
Hillside, IL
Hines, IL
Hinsdale, IL
Hoffman Estates, IL
Hometown, IL
Homewood, IL
Huntley, IL
Ingleside, IL
Island Lake, IL
Itasca, IL
Justice, IL
Kenilworth, IL
La Grange Park, IL
La Grange, IL
Lake Bluff, IL
Lake Forest, IL
Lake In The Hills, IL
Lake Villa, IL
Lake Zurich, IL
Lansing, IL
Lemont, IL
Libertyville, IL
Lincolnshire, IL
Lincolnwood, IL
Lisle, IL
Lombard, IL
Lyons, IL
Marengo, IL
Markham, IL
Matteson, IL
Maywood, IL
Mchenry, IL
Medinah, IL
Melrose Park, IL
Midlothian, IL
Morton Grove, IL
Mount Prospect, IL
Mundelein, IL
Naperville, IL
Niles, IL
North Chicago, IL
Northbrook, IL
Oak Brook, IL
Oak Forest, IL
Oak Lawn, IL
Oak Park, IL
Olympia Fields, IL
Orland Park, IL
Palatine, IL
Palos Heights, IL
Palos Hills, IL
Palos Park, IL
Park Forest, IL
Park Ridge, IL
Posen, IL
Prospect Heights, IL
Richmond, IL
Richton Park, IL
Ringwood, IL
River Forest, IL
River Grove, IL
Riverdale, IL
Riverside, IL
Robbins, IL
Rolling Meadows, IL
Roselle, IL
Round Lake, IL
Russell, IL
Schaumburg, IL
Schiller Park, IL
Skokie, IL
South Holland, IL
Spring Grove, IL
Steger, IL
Stone Park, IL
Streamwood, IL
Summit Argo, IL
Techny, IL
Thornton, IL
Tinley Park, IL
Union, IL
Vernon Hills, IL
Villa Park, IL
Wadsworth, IL
Warrenville, IL
Wauconda, IL
Waukegan, IL
Wayne, IL
West Chicago, IL
Westchester, IL
Western Springs, IL
Westmont, IL
Wheaton, IL
Wheeling, IL
Willow Springs, IL
Willowbrook, IL
Wilmette, IL
Winfield, IL
Winnetka, IL
Winthrop Harbor, IL
Wonder Lake, IL
Wood Dale, IL
Woodridge, IL
Woodstock, IL
Worth, IL
Zion, IL
Bassett, WI
Benet Lake, WI
Bristol, WI
Burlington, WI
Caledonia, WI
Camp Lake, WI
Darien, WI
Delavan, WI
East Troy, WI
Elkhorn, WI
Fontana, WI
Franksville, WI
Genoa City, WI
Kansasville, WI
Kenosha, WI
Lake Geneva, WI
Lyons, WI
New Munster, WI
Pell Lake, WI
Pleasant Prairie, WI
Powers Lake, WI
Racine, WI
Rochester, WI
Salem, WI
Sharon, WI
Silver Lake, WI
Somers, WI
Springfield, WI
Sturtevant, WI
Trevor, WI
Twin Lakes, WI
Union Grove, WI
Walworth, WI
Waterford, WI
Whitewater, WI
Williams Bay, WI
Wilmot, WI
Zenda, WI