Bank of America's CEO has flagged Chicago as a growth market as commercial lending rebounds — Crain’s reports commercial loans rose about 15%, a potential boon for developers and businesses.

A stretch of farmland along Highway 120 is under contract to the Geneva Lakes YMCA while the city eyes the other half for police and fire; neighbors are divided and the council set a six‑month review.

Franklin Partners and Bixby Bridge Capital bought the loan on the 23‑story tower at 200 W. Monroe in the Loop, marking another discounted Chicago‑area office deal. The purchase spotlights continued distress and opportunistic buying in the downtown market.

Optima converted construction debt into a $60M Freddie Mac refinance for its 100‑unit Optima Verdana in Wilmette, clearing the way for an adjacent 128‑unit phase. The move reflects strong suburban demand for stabilized luxury rentals.

Green Street's latest mall grades, covered by Crain's on April 29, flag six Chicago-area malls as at risk of a 'death loop.' Investors, cities and shoppers are watching whether reinvention can arrive in time.

McKinsey is relocating its Chicago office to Salesforce Tower at Wolf Point, joining other firms that have taken prime space in the new riverfront tower.

Cedarhurst and Dover moved an 89‑unit, $38M assisted‑living and memory‑care plan forward in Vernon Hills, seeking annexation of about 6.5 acres near Milwaukee Avenue.

District 204 approved a marketing plan to sell its Willow Springs tract; the broker’s buyer list names industrial and logistics firms, reigniting fights over rezoning and past $55M bids.

Gencom and GD Holdings refinanced the St. Regis Chicago with a $125M loan from Banco Inbursa, replacing earlier acquisition debt and signaling stronger downtown demand.

Two Senate bills would give tenants the first chance to buy their apartment building before a sale, prompting industry pushback and legal questions.

HUD told real‑estate professionals on April 24 that they may lawfully discuss neighborhood crime rates and school quality with buyers, if the information is given consistently. The agency's FHEO letter says such conversations are not automatic violations of the Fair Housing Act.

City Council approved a 29-story, 419-unit tower at 605 Davis that includes 84 affordable units; early site work has begun and developers are targeting early 2028 move-ins.

MetLife is investing roughly $170 million to rework Water Tower Place — consolidating shops onto three floors and converting upper levels to office and medical space. Construction is slated to begin in 2027.