National Developer to Move HQ to Renovated Willis Tower

The firm will be relocating from its current space at 71 S. Wacker Drive in early 2020 to 30,405 square feet of space, which will encompass the entire 84th floor of the 110-story tower.

Willis Tower, Chicago

CHICAGO—High-end continuing care retirement community development firm Vi has signed a long-term lease deal for more than 30,000 square feet at the Willis Tower at 233 S. Wacker Drive here.

The firm will be relocating from its current space at 71 S. Wacker Drive in early 2020 to 30,405 square feet of space, which will encompass the entire 84th floor of the 110-story tower.

The Vi lease follows the news this spring that United Airlines would keep its headquarters at the Willis Tower and expand its space there to approximately 825,000 square feet.

Savills vice chairman and director Lisa Davidson and Midwest region lead Joe Learner advised Vi on the transaction. Senior managing director Rich Dale and director Loredana Perri, members of Savills project management practice, are overseeing the office build-out. Nikki Kern, Jamey Dix and JD Parcheta at Telos Group represented the building owner, EQ Office.

“We are excited about our move to Willis Tower,” said Vi chief financial officer Gary Smith. “The building, as well as the highly-desired Loop location, is exactly what we were looking for in our new space.”

Willis Tower is undergoing a more than $500-million renovation project that is the biggest restorative transformation in the building’s 46-year history. Savills states that Vi selected Willis Tower for its location and expansive tenant amenities, including Tone, the 30,000-square-foot fitness center; Tower House, the casual café and lounge on the 33rd floor; and event spaces like Altitude and the Steel Room.

The location provides greater reach in conducting business and supports the company’s continued emphasis on attracting, inspiring and retaining the best talent and offering an exceptional working environment. Vi was recently honored with the Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Award, recognizing the best places to work in 2019.

“The West Loop continues to attract tenants from a wide range of industries,” said Davidson. “Vi’s move further demonstrates that long-standing, forward-thinking companies are interested in redeveloped buildings like Willis Tower for their dynamic atmosphere, amenities and location.”