Monthly Archives: April 2026

Aghfar Arun Featured on WGN Radio 720

Published April 29, 2026

Aghfar Arun, executive director, hospitality at Bradford Allen, recently joined John Williams on WGN Radio 720 to discuss the changing role of airport hotels and what travelers expect from the guest experience today.

During the interview, Arun shared how Hyatt Centric Chicago O’Hare is helping redefine the airport hotel category through thoughtful design, elevated amenities, and a stronger focus on creating a sense of place for guests. He also discussed the hotel’s destination restaurant, CIMA, and the importance of appealing to business travelers, event attendees, and local diners.

The discussion underscored how expectations continue to shift, with travelers seeking hotels that offer both convenience and an elevated experience.

Listen to the full interview here: https://wgnradio.com/business-lunch/noon-business-lunch-3-16-26-gas-prices-housing-reform-chowbus-luxury-airport-hotels/amp/

 

Q1/26 Downtown Chicago Office Market Report

Published April 9, 2026

Bradford Allen is pleased to share our latest office market reports.
This quarter in Chicago’s downtown office market:

  • Leasing activity decelerated with approximately 1.6 million square feet of direct deals in the first quarter versus just north of 2 million square feet in the fourth quarter of 2025.
  • Direct vacancy rose a modest three-tenths of one percent to 24.8% and net absorption was approximately negative 300,000 square feet.
  • The CBD’s office construction pipeline flatlined as its last active project, 919 W Fulton, was delivered. With no new projects on the horizon, availability in sought-after buildings and submarkets will continue to tighten. New supply is mostly coming to market through renovations, for example at the 1.2 million square foot Thompson Center, which Google is set to occupy in 2027.
  • Tenant preferences remain for move-in-ready suites. Close to one-third of leasing activity in Q1/26 was for move-in-ready or spec suites. In 2025, nearly 40% of leasing activity for the entire year was spec and pre-built suites, a 200% increase since 2020.