Bradford Allen JV Breaks Ground in Chicago
This is the first phase of a planned mixed-use project.
An exterior rendering of the mixed-use project. Image courtesy of Bradford Allen Development Co. 
A rendering of the lobby in the Chicago project’s first phase. Image courtesy of Bradford Allen Development Co. 
A rendering of the multifamily lounge in the Chicago mixed-use development. Image courtesy of Bradford Allen Development Co.
Bradford Allen Development Co. and Moceri+Roszak have broken ground on the first phase of a mixed-use community in Arlington Heights, Ill. The development marks the first step in a larger, up to four-building development.
The community is located at the southeast corner of Arlington Heights and Algonquin roads in a northwest suburb of Chicago. Its initial phase, part of a bigger master-planned community, will consist of 301 apartments and approximately 26,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.
Brian Carley, executive managing director of development at Bradford Allen, told Multi-Housing News that Arlington Heights is an established, sought-after suburb that benefits from its proximity to O’Hare International Airport and several major employment centers.
“The southern end of the community has seen little in the way of new, ground-up development in recent years, so this project is significant not only because of its size but also because it marks a renewed investment in this corner of the community,” he said.
The larger project includes ArlingtonMed, a 150,000-square-foot medical office complex at 155 E. Algonquin Road, a building that previously housed the Daily Herald newspaper, and up to two more buildings.
“We’ve been assembling this development site for approximately seven years and plan on building it out in phases over the upcoming years,” Carley said. “Our ability to secure financing for the first phase, including a substantial HUD loan, underscores the viability of the residential component, even in today’s tighter lending environment.”
The eight-story residential building, designed by Thomas Roszak Architecture, will offer studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. It will also include 17,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities including an outdoor pool and spa with sun deck, fitness center with yoga studio, golf simulator, dog walk and spa, social and media rooms, coworking spaces and grilling areas.
The exterior of the building will recognize the nearby Ned Brown Preserve—also known as Busse Woods. It will showcase the Illinois prairie aesthetic and feature green vertical accents.
Clark Construction is the project’s general contractor. The development is expected to be completed in 2026.
Chicago on the rise
In a recent study conducted by Yardi Matrix and RentCafe, competitiveness among national multifamily rental markets was determined and rated through five key metrics. Out of more than 100 cities, Suburban Chicago rose to the top with the highest multifamily competitive score of 91.3, tying only with Miami.
Suburban Chicago’s below-average share of new apartments paired with high demand are making for a particularly competitive rental market. And in Chicago proper, similar metrics are taking place, landing the city a score of 85.4 and in the fifth spot.
While supply is low, there are still some ground breakings. Recently, Gorman & Co. started construction on a 50-unit affordable housing redevelopment that is taking shape in the site of a former elementary school.
