“Baby Brokers:” Lessons Learned, Lessons Earned
Jan 29, 2025I’m coming up on my fourth year of being a licensed broker. I’m younger than most of my clients, and certainly younger than most of my colleagues. Like almost every […]
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Queering Chicago’s CRE Market
This blog is based on our podcast episode: “Queering Chicago’s CRE Market ft. Gerber/Hart Library and Archives. For the best experience, we highly recommend listening to that episode here. An […]
Read MoreThe “Real World” Isn’t Real
“In the real world, this would never fly.” “In the real world, you’ll need to know this.” “In the real world, you’ll be held to a much higher standard.” These […]
Read MoreBlack History Landmarks of Chicago
As we start to close out Black History Month and head into March, we here at Willard Jones have decided to look at some of Chicago’s most iconic Black Cultural […]
Read MoreDo The Evolution
As 2023 disappears in our collective rearview mirrors, there is finally enough evidence at hand to reasonably project what the future of the office will look like. After analyzing the […]
Read MoreRemembering Chicago’s Fallen on September 11, 2001
The following tributes were compiled from the individuals’ obituaries, articles, statements from friends and family, and biographies sourced from the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. We recognize that these are mere […]
Read MoreUnearthing the Forgotten History of Chicago’s Oldest Buildings
Like many others, I have vivid memories of sitting in my high school history classes, slumping in my chair and using my textbook as a pillow. Old stuff didn’t matter […]
Read MoreHow to be Disabled in Chicago
It is a uniquely difficult experience to watch your own body devolve from something you previously perceived as strong and resilient to something that barely passes for functioning. The first […]
Read More3 Lessons I Learned During My Time Undercover as a Wealthy Chicagoan
I am not a wealthy Chicagoan. I’m a second-year law student still paying off medical debt from 2019. But through a series of fortunate events and strategic use of my […]
Read MoreThe Mishegoss of the Loop
One of my mentors — the late, great Howard Weinstein — was quite proficient in Yiddish. A favorite word of his was mishegoss, meaning “craziness,” or some type of senseless […]
Read MoreWhiplash from the Past
The year was 1901, and Chicago was a blossoming city with a booming economy. At the forefront of its success were the lumber and meat industries, and the city was […]
Read MoreRemembering Tom Horwich
The Chicago real estate community lost another legend last week with the passing of Tom Horwich. While much of Tom’s work was under the radar, his influence on those of […]
Read MoreThree Terrifyingly True Tales from the Loop
This month, in honor of Halloween, we’re bringing you three terrifyingly true stories from our very own portfolio. Amongst the glamor and glory of Chicago’s business district is the very […]
Read MoreThe ABCs of DEI in CRE
In the business world, there are a few buzzwords that regularly make their rounds in corporate conversation. Words like “synergy.” “Circling back.” “Putting a pin in it.” “Tabling it.” “Seamlessness.” […]
Read MoreThe Walking Man
One of the best parts of my job as a commercial real estate broker is not being tied to my desk for 10 hours per day. Typically, I have several […]
Read MoreTransforming The Loop
For those of us who have emotionally, professionally or financially invested in downtown Chicago, the last two years have been difficult to stomach. From the moment you arrived to well […]
Read MoreFor the Love of All That is Holy, Please Stop Predicting the Future of the Office
I’m really tired of reading the same articles over and over again. Every week, there’s a new “think piece” about the so-called future of the office. Every word-count-hungry Hemingway with […]
Read MoreThe Office (R)evolution
In your wildest imagination, could you have even foreseen a scenario in which the streets of Downtown Chicago would be zapped of its trademark energy, office buildings would generally sit […]
Read MoreREAL ESTATE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19
As we all try to cope with our new world and everything it entails, I sincerely hope that you and your families are staying healthy and sane during this unparalleled […]
Read MoreThe Central Loop Elixir
I have been working in the Central Loop for nearly a quarter of a century and in my humble opinion, rumors of the Central Loop’s demise are exaggerated. Undoubtedly, challenges […]
Read More2020 Predicitons
Happy New Year! As we ring in 2020, it is time once again to look into the future and forecast what lies ahead for the new year. First, let’s revisit […]
Read MoreTHE 2019 TOP TEN EVENTS IN DOWNTOWN CHICAGO COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
With yet another year just about in the rearview mirror, it is time to take a look back at the key events which made 2019 so fascinating. I hereby present […]
Read MoreSalt of the Earth
As we approach Thanksgiving 2019, it is the most appropriate time of year to express a hearty appreciation for all of the talented individuals who truly are responsible for ensuring […]
Read MoreSame Story, Different Day
I have written in this blog space before how important it is for brokers to keep up on current events in the real estate industry. The truth is, it has […]
Read MoreTaxed To Death
Given the enormous budget deficit in Chicago, it comes as no surprise that the Mayor and members of the City Council are turning over every stone imaginable to unearth creative […]
Read MoreCrazy 8’s
As we approach the Labor Day weekend and unofficial end of summer, here are 8 random thoughts that recently have crossed my mind as we conclude month number 8 of […]
Read MoreThe Willard Jones Building Quiz
Ready to test your knowledge of downtown Chicago real estate? Well, it’s your lucky day! We hereby present the first ever Willard Jones Building Quiz, past and present. Answers to […]
Read MoreThe Chairman
It is rare when one can say they have been mentored by a legend. A legend of not just their profession, but also of life in general. Well, I am […]
Read MoreThe Haymarket Building
Willard Jones Real Estate recently welcomed The Haymarket Building, located at 117 North Jefferson Street, into its leasing portfolio and has been tasked with returning this West Loop gem back […]
Read MoreREMEMBERING A CHICAGO LEGEND
I know this is supposed to be a real estate blog, but I must make an exception this month and pay tribute to an individual who was a huge part […]
Read MoreYour Reputation Precedes You
Spring has arrived in Chicago and baseball season is now underway. As we look forward to another exciting campaign, an annual highlight for me is the opportunity to listen to […]
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