CHICAGO—Urban Innovations has just promoted Jo Anne Gottfried, formerly the firm's executive vice president, to chief operating officer. Gottfried will now manage the day-to-day operations of Urban Innovations' commercial portfolio and construction alongside UI president Howard R. Conant, Jr.

Her primary responsibilities will include directing the strategic planning of Urban Innovations, monitoring operations and financial performance of all organizational functions, and assisting the president in developing effective growth strategies for the company.

“Jo Anne has been key to UI's success for 30 years,” Conant says. “During that time, she has held almost every position our company offers, sometimes two or three at one time. As chief operating officer, I am confident Jo Anne will help lead UI forward as we work to improve the quality of our services and acquire new development opportunities.”

The Chicago-based company was a River North pioneer and still owns many buildings in the neighborhood it helped transform into a trendy office market. And the recent loss of Google to the Fulton Market area, along with the movement of other tech firms to the West Loop, has not slowed down tech-heavy River North.

According to Colliers International, the submarket “projects to remain the strongest submarket in the CBD through 2016 as space remains extremely limited despite having the highest rents in the city.” The vacancy rate sank 100 bps in the second quarter and now stands at just 6.5%, by far the lowest in the CBD. The good times will almost certainly continue, as “River North remains the marquee destination for corporate firms relocating from the suburbs.”

Gottfried joined Urban Innovations in 1987, and prior to her promotion to chief operating officer, was responsible for leading the strategic marketing efforts of UI, and the IT and HR support functions of the company. She graduated from the University of Colorado and holds an Illinois Real Estate Managing Broker license. Outside of her business responsibilities, Gottfried is an active board member of Theatre D.

Instant Insights /

Urban Innovations Gets New Leadership

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