Inspired by Somerset Development broke ground on the West Side of Bell Works Chicagoland, marking the next phase in the transformation of the former AT&T campus into a thriving “Metroburb” — a self-contained suburban metropolis combining office, retail, dining and hospitality.
As the East Side nears 95% leased and available space is currently limited, the West Side will unlock more than 500,000 square feet of new space, allowing dozens of new and existing businesses to find a home at Bell Works Chicagoland. The redeveloped West Side will include 430,000 square feet of traditional office space with approximately 35,000 square feet dedicated to fully furnished “Ready-to-Wear” suites for flexible short- and long-term leases, as well as 70,000 square feet of retail space. Completion is slated for Q3 2026.
“This West Side groundbreaking is a defining moment not just for Bell Works Chicagoland, but in proving how the metroburb model can reshape the suburban landscape,” said Ralph Zucker, CEO and Founder of Inspired by Somerset Development. “As the flight to quality accelerates, employees are gravitating towards walkable, amenity-rich destinations that allow them to seamlessly integrate both their work and personal lives. This expansion reinforces the strength and scalability of the metroburb model as a future-ready approach to how we live and work outside major cities.”
With architecture by Wight & Company and interiors by npz studio+, the West Side will thoughtfully mirror the East Side’s acclaimed aesthetic while introducing new features tailored for functionality, flexibility and community. A key element of the reimagining involves removing an existing overpass between the buildings to maximize natural light and enhance pedestrian connectivity across the campus.
At the core of the West Side is its atrium, serving as the Metroburb’s vibrant ‘Main Street,’ lined with a diverse mix of storefronts, eateries, retail, dining, and community gathering space. A soaring skylight runs the length of the corridor, flooding the space with natural light and establishing a strong visual axis. Industrial-inspired catwalks crisscross the upper floors, promoting movement and spontaneous interactions across levels. Glass railings, expansive storefront glazing, exposed steel framing and wood-paneled ceilings seamlessly combine to blend warmth with structural clarity.
Designed to complement the Metroburb’s blend of work, retail and social spaces, the interiors bring a sleek, contemporary aesthetic. The design integrates adaptable working spaces, office, retail and communal spaces that encourage collaboration and effortless transitions between work and leisure. Drawing on biophilic principles, the interiors feature greenery, soft textures and residential-scale materials to create a healthier, more welcoming environment. Abundant natural light, combined with layered lighting, enhances wellness, focus and comfort throughout.
“With our all-star design and architecture team, we’re creating more than just beautiful interiors — we’re designing spaces that respond to how people move through and use them,” said Paola Zamudio, Lead Designer + Creative Director at Bell Works and Founder of npz studio+. “Our goal is to curate environments that feel intuitive and energizing, with details that spark curiosity and encourage interaction. Every element is designed for flexibility, not only to support diverse ways of working, but to evolve as needs change over time.”
“Preserving the architectural integrity of this historic building is central to our design approach,” said Matthew Duggan, Vice President of Wight & Company. “We’ve developed a vision that respects the campus’s original character, while opening it up to light and creating spaces that are inviting and functional for the community.”
“This groundbreaking is a major milestone for Hoffman Estates, with the redevelopment bringing a wealth of new jobs to the area,” said Mayor McLeod of the Village of Hoffman Estates. “We’re proud to play a role in a project that’s delivering a lasting impact on the economy while deepening community engagement.”
In tandem with the groundbreaking, Bell Works Chicagoland is also celebrating the grand opening of Bell Market, a new culinary destination offering a diverse selection of food and beverage options, alongside a hub for weekly entertainment and private gatherings. The concept, which first debuted at Bell Works New Jersey, is now expanding to Chicagoland as part of the Metroburb’s continued focus on creating upscale, community-driven experiences.
