The Northbrook area has been buzzing with excitement and admiration for the breathtaking three-story murals unveiled on the nearly 70,000-square-foot office building at 4201 Lake Cook Road in Northbrook, Illinois.
Commissioned by XRoads Advisors, a leader in commercial real estate and community enhancement, these nature-themed murals have transformed the once-ordinary facade into a beloved local landmark and source of pride for building tenants, visitors and area residents.
The four murals showcase the four different seasons, including a majestic bluebird in a lush springtime scene and a striking owl perched in a winter wonderland. Over several months, the vision was brought to life, capturing the area’s year-round beauty and the unique charm of the Northbrook community.
“We’re thrilled by the incredible response,” said Michael Nortman, founder and CEO at XRoads Advisors. “Our goal was to create something that inspires and uplifts, so seeing how much joy this project has brought to building tenants and the community at large is truly rewarding.”
As commercial real estate owners and investors adapt to changing workplace needs, wellness-oriented design plays a growing role in shaping long-term success. With creativity and care, large-scale art installations can serve multiple strategic goals: attracting and retaining tenants, fostering community connections, lending emotional support, and creating memorable landmarks that stand out in competitive markets. The mural-wrapped building has several tenants in the healthcare industry, including nationally recognized Eating Recovery Center and LifeStance Health, making the commitment to wellness even more meaningful.
Mural artist Asend, who evolved from Chicago’s 1990s graffiti scene to collaborations with global brands, noted the increase he’s seen in office building mural projects, and said he wanted to approach this project with both creativity and emotional intelligence. “I really thought about the tenants, especially the kids and teenagers visiting the recovery center,” he says. “I wanted the artwork to reflect something uplifting—something happy. And having Xroads’ Michael Nortman as a collaborator with a shared vision made all the difference as we brought that vision to life.”
Since their completion, the murals have sparked an outpouring of praise and positivity across platforms like Nextdoor, where residents shared their heartfelt appreciation with 250 likes and more than 50 glowing comments.
“This project has brought so much beauty and joy to our town,” shared one Northbrook resident. “I wish more buildings would do this (the mural) makes me happy and lifts my spirits.” Another added, “It’s incredible to see how these murals have revitalized the area.”
The mural also complements the one-acre natural park that was recently completed at the property, which is enjoyed by tenants and visitors alike. For tenants interested in making this idyllic property home, 4201 Lake Cook Road will soon be offering 10,000 square feet of first-floor space, ideal for a medical user.
