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It seems that we just can’t escape the bad financial news.  Now, mortgage loans made to supposedly better-off Americans are also heading south at an alarming rate.  This time around, the loans in question are Alternative-A (Alt-A) mortgages,which are used by borrowers such as the self-employed who have reasonable credit standings but unpredictable incomes. Right […]

A rather unexpected source may rescue the stalled Chicago Spire  condominium project – and pump significant money into Chicago’s battered economy by creating thousands of construction jobs.  Representatives from the AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trusts are in early discussions with developer Shelbourne Development Group to revive construction of the twisting Santiago Calatrava-designed condominium tower, located on […]

Is wine recession proof? Business obviously is good for one retail sector niche market.  Chicago-based Binny’s Beverage Depot is taking over a shuttered Circuit City store in west suburban Downers Grove and plans to convert it into their 23rd location. Binny’s purchased the 31,000 SF big-box store, located at the intersection of Highland Avenue and […]

Shipping activity has plunged as much as one-third at U.S. ports most heavily invested in the once red-hot but now declining Asia trade. Freight rates from South China to Europe have slid as much as 42 percent from some ports since November, leading shipping industry authority Drewry Container Freight Rate Insight Report to speculate that […]

To sweeten the pot after luring brewing giant MillerCoors LLC to the Windy City, the City of Chicago has agreed to create a $6 million tax-increment financing deal for the firm’s new corporate headquarters at 250 South Wacker Drive.  Even with a budget shortfall nudging $500 million, the City is kicking in significant funds to bring […]

Cornerstone’s  impact on Grayslake and Lake County goes far beyond the jobs, residences, shopping and entertainment opportunities it creates.  We specifically designed the project to create positive financial benefits for the schools that will serve the 650-acre mixed-use community. Cornerstone will benefit local school districts’ financial health at a time when the tax revenues that […]

Cornerstone’s launch fulfills William A. Alter’s 30-year vision that began when the legendary real estate titan acquired the first of what now comprises 650 acres in central Lake County. As a mixed-use development pioneer, Bill Alter understood that differing residential products could- and would — flourish, complete with nearby stores.  Cornerstone is taking Bill’s vision […]

The CMBS market is anything but rotten in the state of Denmark. While the American mortgage securitization system crumbles, the Danes are successfully securitizing commercial and residential loans exactly as they have since 1797.  That’s when Nykredit Realkredit – Denmark’s largest mortgage bank – was established.  And, there hasn’t been a single Danish mortgage bond […]

The successful auction of 45 condominiums at the Vetro project in the South Loop raked in sales of more than $12.1 million – though sharply discounted at $258 PSF.  That’s 73 percent of the original $353 PSF asking price, but far better than the 61 percent the auctioneers expected. This isn’t the first time that […]

One of Chicago’s most visited real estate icons — and the Western Hemisphere’s tallest building — is getting a new name.  And Chicagoans are not thrilled. Under the terms of a significant lease signed by global insurance broker Willis Group Holdings, Ltd., the 110-story, 1,450-foot-tall Sears Tower will change its name to the Willis Tower. […]