BLOCK 37 - 108 N.
Chicago, Illinois
Grand opening projected Fall 2009

A $500 million mixed-use project in the heart of downtown Chicago 420,000-square foot office tower, 280,000 square feet of retail, dining and entertainment, a 30,000 square-foot transit station, hotel and residential tower CBS/Morningstar Inc. office tower completed Spring 2007 Retail currently under construction. Scheduled to open late 2009. Received the 18th Annual Chicago Awards of Excellence - (CBS office & Studio office tower)

Persistence, creativity and ability to bring the right people on board moved this project forward after numerous stalled attempts with other builders. With a bold, unwavering vision of a world-class city centerpiece that could meet the diverse needs of residents and visitors, Steve assembled a top-tier team that beat nine other national real estate developers for the rights to redevelop this preeminent downtown block. Steve's skillful collaboration with city officials and the development team helped bring innovative concepts for this project to life. Steve successfully initiated the sale of Block 37 from The Mills to JFA spring 2007.

  1. Negotiated with the City of Chicago to stagger the $25 million land purchase over time, reducing Mills financial risk. At land closing, Mills paid a portion to the City as a "release price" for the project's office parcel, with additional payments triggered as office space was leased, or as Mills received additional proceeds from other pad sales.
  2. Successfully negotiated a favorable rent structure with Viacom/CBS to construct a 100,000-square-foot live studio at street level with support offices and newsrooms. This "Today Show"-type studio elevates Chicago's stature as a major U.S. destination.