A trend of periodic growth indicated the timing was right for esteemed law firm Sidley Austin to focus on the DC office’s expansion.  Timing was also a critical factor in their strategic plan, which required balancing projected growth with remaining lease obligations and emerging market opportunities.

JM Zell advised the firm to secure a new building well before its current lease expired.  Through creative thinking and shrewd negotiations, JM Zell produced one of the most significant lease transactions in Washington, DC.  A successful early termination of their current leases provided the funds to secure the new building and saved the client several million dollars.

Where other organizations had tried and failed to develop the Investment Building for over a decade, with the combination of JM Zell and the developer and the financial strength of the Firm, we were able to leverage that financial strength to acquire 200,000 square feet within the Investment Building - an historic landmark along DC's storied K Street corridor.

This unique approach protected Sidley Austin against the inherent development risks and obstacles by addressing design, timing, funding and construction delivery issues.  Ultimately, the firm achieved its expansion goals by securing high-quality space, control over building operations and the flexibility to grow over the next 15 years at a far greater rate than a typical lease would permit.