Akerman LLP announced Jan. 25 that it plans to increase the size of its Chicago office by more than double its size, to accommodate its rapid growth.
The firm plans to add nearly 41,000 square feet to the more than 33,000 square feet it occupies on the 46th floor of 71 South Wacker, formerly the Hyatt Center in Chicago’s central downtown business district. The expansion includes the entire 47th and 48th floors, the top floors of 71 South Wacker.
Renovation of the floors is set to begin by the fourth quarter of 2017, with a move-in timeframe of early 2018. JLL helped Akerman broker the deal.
The project will allow the firm to grow to more than 90 lawyers in the Chicago office, which has grown fivefold, from eight to 43 lawyers, since opening in February 2014.
The 48th floor will be converted into an Akerman conference center with the 46th and 47th floors used for office space for lawyers and other professionals. The firm plans to integrate advanced technological features, and design multi-use and collaboration spaces in the building, which is LEED Platinum certified. The firm is leasing temporary space on the 21st floor of 71 South Wacker to meet the immediate expansion needs of its growing Chicago office.
Sustainability is a core element of Akerman’s Corporate Responsibility program. 71 South Wacker is LEED Platinum certified by the U.S. Green Building Council and is one of 14 buildings across the United States where Akerman has offices that are LEED or Energy Star certified. The firm’s sustainability initiative is focused on reducing environmental impact, improving efficiencies, and providing healthy work places that enhance the experience of its employees, clients and communities.
