A brick building is shown at the corner of Bryn Mawr and Kimball
A brick building is shown at the corner of Bryn Mawr and Kimball avenues
A brick building is shown at the corner of Bryn Mawr and Kimball avenues
A brick building is shown near El Centro.
A brick building is shown near El Centro.

In December 2020, Northeastern Illinois University selected Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL) to serve in an advisory capacity to identify the best possible use of two of its unused properties in Chicago. JLL conducted research on the markets, sites, financial feasibility and valuations in early 2021 that incorporates feedback from Northeastern’s internal and external stakeholders before delivering a final report in April.

Any next steps beyond JLL’s recommendations through this process would take place through separate engagements and following state rules and regulations.

This project involves two separate properties:

  • The Bryn Mawr property is located near Northeastern’s Main Campus at the intersection of West Bryn Mawr Avenue and North Kimball Avenue.
  • The El Centro property is located at the intersection of North Avondale Avenue, West Henderson Street and North Kimball Avenue.

During late 2020 and early 2021, Northeastern met with representatives from the Hollywood-North Park Community Association and North River Commission, as well as elected officials who represent the communities where properties are located including Ald. Samantha Nugent, Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, State Sen. Ram Villivalam and State Rep. John D’Amico.

The University greatly values its relationship with its surrounding communities and will update these webpages with the latest information about the Real Estate Advisory Study.

Latest Updates

April 13, 2023

CBRE provided an update to NEIU's Board of Trustees and a timeline to solicit bids from developers on the best use of NEIU’s Bryn Mawr properties. The public Request for Proposal is tentatively scheduled for late summer 2023.

Webinar meeting, Jan. 11, 2023

On January 11, 2023 Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) held a Webinar meeting to update the community on the University's plan to redevelop the Bryn Mawr Property. The University’s Real Estate Broker, CBRE, provided the update. Participants were encouraged to submit questions through the webinar Q&A feature. View the presentation.

NEIU Board of Trustees meeting, June 9, 2022

The motion to recommend Real Estate Broker Services from CBRE for the Bryn Mawr property passed. We will be moving forward with the project in the coming weeks. Our goal remains the same, to keep the community informed and engaged throughout the process.

Next steps

At its June 10, 2021 meeting, the board of trustees voted unanimously to proceed with leasing the properties at the Bryn Mawr and El Centro locations. University administration will begin the process to procure real estate brokerage services to create ground leases with interested developers. A vendor will likely be identified near the end of 2021. Updates will be shared with the community as they become available.

Final executive Summary

On Monday, April 5, Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL) submitted a final executive summary of the Bryn Mawr and El Centro Feasibility Analysis.

View the Executive Summary

rEAL ESTATE ADVISORY STUDY COMMUNITY FORUM, MAR. 29, 2021

On Monday, March 29, Northeastern Illinois University hosted a Real Estate Advisory Study Community Forum. During the forum, Northeastern and JLL provided updates on the status of this project. A recording of the event is available. 

Draft executive Summary

On Friday, March 5, Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL) submitted a draft of the Bryn Mawr and El Centro Feasibility Analysis.

View the Executive Summary

Real Estate Advisory Study Community Forum, FEB. 22, 2021

On Monday, Feb. 22, Northeastern Illinois University hosted a Real Estate Advisory Study Community Forum. During the forum, Northeastern and JLL provided updates on the status of this project.

HNPCA meeting, Jan. 21, 2021

Northeastern Illinois University participated in a public meeting on Jan. 21 that was co-hosted by the Hollywood-North Park Community Association and North River Commission. Representatives from Northeastern and JLL delivered a brief presentation and fielded questions from the public. View a recording of the meeting and slides.

Community Engagement

Table of Stakeholders

Throughout the duration of the Real Estate Advisory Study, the Table of Stakeholders met every other week to exchange information, updates and feedback.

  • Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa’s office
  • Ald. Samantha Nugent’s office
  • Athletic Field Advisory Council
  • Hollywood-North Park Community Association
  • North Park Chamber of Commerce
  • North River Commission/Albany Park Chamber of Commerce
  • Northside Learning Center
  • Peterson Elementary School
  • Peterson Pulaski Business & Industrial Council
  • State Rep. John D’Amico’s office
  • State Sen. Ram Villivalam’s office
  • Telshe Yeshiva Chicago 

Past LEADERSHIP meetings

  • Dec. 14, 2020: North Park Chamber of Commerce
  • Dec. 16, 2020: Ald. Samantha Nugent's office
  • Dec. 18, 2020: North River Commission/Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, Hollywood-North Park Community Association, Ald. Samantha Nugent's office
  • Dec. 22, 2020: State Sen. Ram Villivalam's office
  • Jan. 7, 2021: State Rep. John D'Amico's office
  • Jan. 12, 2021: North River Commission/Albany Park Chamber of Commerce, Hollywood-North Park Community Association, Ald. Samantha Nugent's office, State Sen. Ram Villivalam's office, State Rep. John D'Amico's office
  • Jan. 15, 2021: Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa's office
  • Feb. 1, 2021: Table of Stakeholders
  • Feb. 15, 2021: Table of Stakeholders
  • Feb. 22, 2021: Real Estate Advisory Study Community Forum
  • March 15, 2021: Table of Stakeholders
  • March 29, 2021: Real Estate Advisory Study Community Forum

Procurement Process

In addition to following its own internal policies and procedures, Northeastern adheres to Illinois procurement laws and rules:

  • Illinois Procurement Code 30 ILCS 500/
    • Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) has jurisdiction and authority over higher education procurements and rules:
      • CPO is under the umbrella of Executive Ethics Commission
      • CPO appoints a State Purchasing Officer (SPO) and a Procurement Compliance Monitor (PCM) to the University
  • Joint Commission on Administrative Rules (JCAR) 44 Ill Admin 4

Advisory Study Timeline

  • Aug: 20, 2020: Request for Proposal (RFP) for Real Estate Advisory Services posted to the Illinois Public Higher Education Procurement Bulletin
  • Sept. 28, 2020: Proposals due
  • Dec. 1, 2020: NEIU and JLL sign contract
  • March 5, 2021: Draft final report from JLL due to the Board of Trustees and President
  • April 5, 2021: Final report from JLL due to the Board of Trustees and President

Advisory Study Partner

Northeastern has partnered with Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (JLL) to help identify options for the potential use of the Bryn Mawr Avenue and El Centro properties. JLL is a world leader in real estate advisory with a proven track record helping higher education institutions position their real estate portfolios to meet their institutional objectives.

Graphic shows scope of services including Market Analysis, Site Assessment, Financial Feasibility Assessment, Valuation and Draft Reports

JLL will help NEIU meet objectives for the properties by demonstrating the potential value of each property and identifying the potential risks and rewards to NEIU from a development. In addition, JLL has partnered with Goodman Williams Group, which recently completed its North Park Commercial Corridors Study for the Chicago Department of Planning and Development to bring the needs of the North Park Community into focus. JLL will work with NEIU to keep community stakeholders in both the Bryn Mawr and El Centro locations up to date on the Real Estate Advisory Study's progress.

Feedback

Neighbors may send their questions and feedback to Northeastern Illinois University via online form or by emailing neighbor@neiu.edu.