035 // Market Momentum and Changing the Conversation

035 // Market Momentum and Changing the Conversation

In the latest episode of Ten With Ben, Ben discusses the renewed momentum across Chicago’s commercial real estate market, from increased leasing and investment activity to landlords investing in upgraded amenities and large spec suites. He also shares why it’s time to move beyond the term “return to office” as office buildings across the city continue to see growing activity and collaboration.

034 // Chicago Office Market Outlook: What to Watch in 2026

Ben Azulay sits down with Bradford Allen’s Neil Bouhan, senior vice president, research, for this episode of Ten with Ben to unpack what’s shaping Chicago’s office market as 2026 begins. The conversation highlights encouraging year-end signals, including improving leasing momentum and how vacancy trends are evolving. They also discuss how shifting tenant priorities are influencing leasing decisions across the market, offering a clear, data-backed look at what’s driving activity right now and what to watch in the year ahead.

033 // 2025 Team Recap

Ben sits down with teammates Nathan Meisner and Lauryn Sussman for a year-end review of team milestones and key shifts in Chicago’s office market. From rising downtown foot traffic to changing landlord strategies and major Loop developments, they share what defined the year and how those trends are setting the tone heading into 2026.

032 // Market Comparisons with Jon Azulay

In this episode of Ten with Ben, Ben shares the mic with his brother and commercial real estate colleague, Jon Azulay from CBRE. A former Chicago broker now working in Los Angeles, Jon explores the unique differences between the two commercial real estate markets. From payment cadence and RTO office trends to broker culture, he explains why the Chicago market remains one of the most competitive markets across the country.

030 // Leasing Shifts and Market Insights with Kathleen Bertrand

Ben is joined by Kathleen Bertrand of Transwestern for a wide-ranging conversation on the current state of the Chicago office market. They reflect on their parallel 20-year careers in commercial real estate and how market cycles — and downtown activity — are shifting again. They discuss how deal momentum is returning, particularly among smaller tenants, and how Gen Z is helping fuel the shift back to in-office work. Bertrand also shares why landlord flexibility and creative deal-making are more important than ever in a high-cost, fast-moving environment.