For the year, CenterPoint has disposed of $93 million in properties.

"Cook County infill sites are providing optimal investment opportunities dueto their excellent access to Chicago's transportation infrastructure andskilled labor," says Chief Investment Officer Paul Ahern. "As more infill sites are redeveloped, we expect their popularity to increase."

A state pension fund bought 9500 and 9550 W. 55th St. in the 150-acre CenterPoint Business Center in southwest suburban McCook, while a limited partnership bought 6464 and 6500 W. 51st St. in Forest View, another southwest suburb. The McCook buildings total 368,000 sf.

"Even after the shock of September 11, we continue to see a diverse group of buyers in the marketplace," Ahern says. "Investors are increasingly turning to the stability of industrial real estate as it continues to outperform more volatile property types. As interest rates are dropping to combat recession, leveraged buyers are seeing better returns on their equity."