The Building Owners and Managers Association of Suburban Chicago (BOMA/Suburban Chicago) hosted “The TOBY Dinner – A Celebration of Teamwork” on November 6, an annual event honoring TOBY entrants and property management teams which culminates in the live announcement of winners of the Local TOBY Award (The Outstanding Building of the Year) competition. The celebration took place in the Woodfield Room at the Atrium Corporate Center in Rolling Meadows, last year’s International TOBY-winning building. Attendees enjoyed an engaging talk on teamwork by guest speaker Goldie B. Wolfe Miller, President of Millbrook Corporate Real Estate Services and founder of The Goldie B. Wolfe Miller Women Leaders in Real Estate Initiative at Roosevelt University in Chicago.
The TOBY is a property management award, not a “beauty contest” or architectural award. Through this prestigious program, BOMAs around the world recognize properties that exemplify outstanding quality in management practices.
The competition consists of three levels: local, regional, and international. Entries are rated for the effectiveness of their overall management in 11 categories, including community impact, tenant relations, energy management, emergency preparedness, and training for personnel. Detailed property inspections, floor plans, and building standards complete the entry portfolios and allow judges a thorough examination of all facets of the properties and their management practices. Local TOBY judging teams comprised of industry professionals traveled throughout the suburban Chicago area over two days inspecting mechanical rooms, climbing on roofs, reviewing management procedures, and scoring entry portfolios.
The 2015 Local TOBY Award winners from BOMA/Suburban Chicago are: Under 100,000 Square Feet Category 2275 Cabot Drive in Lisle Managed by Lincoln Property Company
2275 Cabot Drive is a premier four-story, Class A office building located within the Corporate Lakes development. Management at 2275 consists of three teams: the property management team, the tenant team, and the buildings vendors and contractors. Communication, alignment, and collaboration within these teams has created a culture of success. The management team offers their clients a level of service, response time, and open communication unlike any other you may find in our industry.
100,000 – 249,999 Square Feet Category 5215 Old Orchard in Skokie Managed by Millbrook Properties
5215 Old Orchard is a 12-story office tower situated on a five-acre lot. The management team has the opportunity to manage the property from a long-term owner’s perspective with a uniquely entrepreneurial approach. As an owner and manager, Millbrook Properties provides its management teams with full autonomy to get the job done. The boutique management office fosters an atmosphere of respect and camaraderie.
250,000 – 499,999 Square Feet Category One O’Hare Centre in Rosemont Managed by CBRE
One O’Hare Centre is a trophy 12-story, multi-tenant office building. This one-of-a-kind property offers a strategic location and superior architecture. One O’Hare Centre’s management philosophy is “Rediscover Distinction;” their commitment to creating an elevated tenant experience similar to the aura of a five-star hotel is what makes the building unique.
Renovated Building Category Edens Corporate Center in Northbrook Managed by NAI Hiffman Asset Management LLC
Edens Corporate Center features twin, four-story, Class A office buildings joined by a central courtyard and building extension in the upscale setting of Chicago’s North Shore community. Creativity and consistency are cornerstones of their management style, with a dedication to providing comprehensive, strategic, cutting-edge service with in-depth reporting customized to each individual client’s needs.
Suburban Office Park – Low Rise Category Butterfield Centre in Lombard Managed by NAI Hiffman Asset Management LLC
Butterfield Centre is comprised of two upgraded, Class B, four-story, multi-tenant office buildings ideally located in the heart of the East-West Corridor. Butterfield Centre’s management philosophy is to address every assignment as though they were the owner and to view those assignments from a focused and strategic angle. Their goal is twofold: partner with leasing to increase occupancy, and increase the value of the asset by assessing the owner’s needs and objectives and satisfying them.
These properties now advance to the Regional Level where their competition will come from buildings in BOMA International’s North Central Region, which includes local BOMAs in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. Results of the Regional competition will be announced in April 2015. All Regional winners will be honored, and the International TOBY Award winners announced live, on June 30, 2015 at the TOBY Banquet during BOMA International’s Every Building Conference & EXPO in Los Angeles, California.
