Monthly Archives: May 2026

Aghfar Arun Shares Top Hotel Renovations That Deliver Strong ROI

Published May 29, 2026

Aghfar Arun, executive director, hospitality at Bradford Allen, recently wrote for Lodging Magazine on “5 Renovations That Yield the Best ROI for Full-Service Lifestyle Hotels.”

In the article, Arun explores how hotel owners and operators can make smarter capital improvement decisions in an increasingly competitive market. He outlines the renovation categories that often create the strongest returns, including guestrooms, lobbies, food-and-beverage outlets, meeting space, and lighting.

Arun also emphasizes that the most successful upgrades are not always the most expensive, but the ones guests notice and are willing to pay more for, including investing in talented staff.

Read the full article here: https://lodgingmagazine.com/5-renovations-that-yield-the-best-roi-for-full-service-lifestyle-hotels/

Bradford Allen Expands New York Retail Team with Addition of Jessica Hedrington

Published May 27, 2026

NEW YORK — Bradford Allen has hired Jessica Hedrington as director in the firm’s New York office, strengthening its retail brokerage team as the company continues to expand its presence in New York City. Hedrington brings 14 years of experience representing landlords, developers and retail brands on leasing and expansion initiatives across the market.

Prior to joining Bradford Allen, Hedrington spent more than a decade at RiPCO Real Estate, where she advanced to director of retail leasing. During her tenure, she worked with developers including RXR, Acadia Realty Trust, The Richman Group, Grid Properties and L+M Development Partners. She also supported the growth of retail brands, including Exponential Fitness, the parent company of Club Pilates and Pure Barre, and Juici Patties.

“Jessica’s experience across both landlord and tenant representation, combined with her deep knowledge of the New York retail market, makes her a strong addition to our growing team,” said Ben Azulay, president, national brokerage. “She brings an entrepreneurial approach to leasing and understands how to create value for owners and retailers.”

Hedrington is a recipient of the CoStar Power Broker Award for Top Deal in the NYC Outer Boroughs and is a member of ICSC. Throughout her career, she has completed transactions across a variety of neighborhoods and asset types, with expertise in Upper Manhattan.

“At Bradford Allen, I’m excited to help grow the retail practice alongside a team I respect,” said Hedrington. “New York’s retail landscape continues to evolve, and I look forward to creating opportunities for the businesses and landlords that make the city thrive.”

About Bradford Allen:

Bradford Allen (BA) is a commercial real estate firm based in the heart of downtown Chicago. Founded in 2003 by Jeff Bernstein and Larry Elbaum as an office brokerage, the firm has grown into a vertically integrated commercial real estate company, offering a full array of services and expertise across multiple U.S. markets to entrepreneurial, corporate and not-for-profit clients, including strategy, marketing and transaction execution for occupiers, investors and owners. For more information, visit bradfordallen.com.

Bradford Allen Welcomes First Residents to Arbor House Apartments in Arlington Heights, Ill.

Published May 14, 2026

New luxury apartment community anchors 18-acre mixed-use district at village’s southern gateway

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (May 14, 2026) — Bradford Allen, a national full-service commercial real estate development and advisory firm, today announced the grand opening of Arbor House, its new luxury apartment community located at the southeast gateway to Arlington Heights. The eight-story, 301-unit community at 25 E. Algonquin Road marries the comfort and space of suburban living with the sophisticated amenities and design standards more commonly associated with urban high-rises.

Bradford Allen commemorated the community’s opening with a ceremony on May 13. Also in attendance were Village of Arlington Heights Mayor Jim Tinaglia, village officials, members of the Clark Construction team, local businesses and Arbor House residents.

Arbor House offers studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments showcasing upscale finishes such as quartz countertops and in-unit laundry, many with balconies. The community’s concrete construction provides an additional layer of sound insulation, ensuring a quieter, more private living environment.

“Arbor House was designed from the ground up with today’s discerning renters in mind,” said Brian Carley, senior vice president, development, at Bradford Allen. “From the generous amenities to the thoughtfully crafted floor plans, every detail reflects our belief that where you live should genuinely enhance how you live.”

Spanning 17,500 square feet, Arbor House’s indoor and outdoor amenity collection is among the most expansive in the suburbs. The state-of-the-art fitness center is equipped for every stage of a workout, from strength training and cardio to Peloton cycling and dedicated stretching and recovery. A resident lounge with golf simulator, game tables, television and kitchen provides a natural gathering space. Additional amenities include coworking suites on the first and fourth floors, concierge desk, covered parking and pet-friendly amenities including an on-site dog run and washing station.

Residents also have access to a private outdoor terrace featuring a pool, spa, fire pits, grills and social seating with views of Busse Woods and the Chicago skyline. Complementing the residential offering, 26,000 square feet of ground-floor retail further animates the streetscape and brings everyday conveniences directly to residents’ doorsteps.

Arbor House serves as the anchor of Bradford Allen’s 18-acre mixed-use district known as Arlington Gateway. The project reimagines the southeast entrance to Arlington Heights as an all-in-one community where residents can live, work and socialize. The integrated master plan concept includes a full renovation of the former Daily Herald building, now branded as Arlington Med, placing Arbor House residents steps from a 150,000-square-foot state-of-the-art wellness center focused on providing patient-first experiences.

“The suburban rental market has grown more sophisticated, and Arbor House was designed to meet that moment,” said Carley. “We’re delivering an experience that rivals the best downtown communities, ensuring residents don’t have to choose between the space and comfort of suburban life and the energy of a premium, amenity-rich downtown building.”

Prominently located at the intersection of Algonquin and Arlington Heights roads, Arbor House is close to downtown Arlington Heights and the Busse Woods nature preserve. The property has immediate access to the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway and is approximately 3 miles from the Arlington Heights Metra station. O’Hare International Airport, Allstate Arena and numerous hotels, restaurants and shopping centers are also minutes away.

Monthly rents at Arbor House start at $1,895. Leasing appointments are offered daily and can be scheduled by visiting arborhouseapartments.com. Arbor House is exclusively leased by Cross Street.

About Bradford Allen:

Bradford Allen is a national commercial real estate services and investment firm headquartered in downtown Chicago. Founded in 2003 by Jeffrey Bernstein and Laurence Elbaum, the company’s vertically integrated platform services entrepreneurial, corporate and not-for-profit clients in every sector. Bradford Allen offers end-to-end solutions to owners, occupiers and investors through brokerage and advisory services, building operations and management, program management and consulting, and real estate investments and development. For more information, visit bradfordallen.com.

Bradford Allen Secures New 10,641-SF West Loop Office Lease for AMI Group

Published May 13, 2026

CHICAGO — Bradford Allen has secured a new 10,641-square-foot office lease for AMI Group at 208 S. Jefferson St. in Chicago’s West Loop. The lease marks AMI Group’s first office in the city.

The transaction was led by Bradford Allen’s Nathan Meisner, associate director, and Lauryn Sussman, senior associate, who represented AMI Group in securing the space. Mike Lombardo and Amy Skalla of Blue Star represented ownership.

AMI Group, headquartered in Santa Monica, California, will use the new location as both an office and a dedicated test kitchen for its Culinary Design Solution team, supporting its work with airline partners. The space is designed to serve as a hub for collaboration and product development.

“AMI Group’s vision for the space went beyond a traditional office,” Meisner said. “They were looking for a location that could support both day-to-day operations and a dedicated test kitchen. This space allows them to do both in one of Chicago’s most active neighborhoods.”

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, 208 S. Jefferson offers access to public transportation, walkable dining and retail, and proximity to the city’s broader business district. The neighborhood’s reputation as a leading culinary destination aligned closely with AMI Group’s focus, making it a natural fit for the company’s next phase of growth.

About Bradford Allen:

Ten with Ben 035: Market Momentum and Changing the Conversation

Published May 7, 2026

In the latest episode of Ten With Ben, Ben discusses the renewed momentum across Chicago’s commercial real estate market, from increased leasing and investment activity to landlords investing in upgraded amenities and large spec suites. He also shares why it’s time to move beyond the term “return to office” as office buildings across the city continue to see growing activity and collaboration.

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