"Back-office" functions such as code enforcement, technical services as well as streets and sanitation are moving into the facility less than two miles from city hall, says Casey, a broker who spent time working the O'Hare submarket who admits the strength of the local market caught him a bit off guard.

"This market down here seems to be unique. There's very little vacancy," Casey observes. "We're seeing tons of activity in an older plant."

The building is 50% occupied by Hines Pet Foods, which leased back 500,000 sf when Quaker Oats sold the property three years ago, Casey says, adding US Filter/Stainco recently leased 40,000 sf for three years. Space Center has up to 150,000 sf of finished manufacturing and distribution space, with 20-feet clear height, ready to go, Casey says. He adds the property and market is drawing interest from companies in the south suburbs looking for reduced costs while maintaining attentive service.

"We're trying to take a different approach here," Casey explains. "We're trying to do everything we can to make sure tenants prosper in their space." That is especially attractive to start-ups, who are a bit more cautious than some of their predecessors a year or so ago.

Closer to Chicago, 56,000 sf has been leased at a 250,000-sf building at 3301 Wireton Rd. in Blue Island in two separate, unrelated deals. Pallet manufacturer Triple R. Recycling Inc. leased 40,000 sf while custom printed shirt maker Marathon Sportswear, Inc. leased 16,000 sf. Colliers Bennett & Kahnweiler Inc. vice president Louis DeSanto represented building ownership while Leland Fay, Jr. represented Triple R. Recycling Inc. and George Badke represented Marathon Sportswear, Inc.