Naperville’s MetroWest building sold

Bixby Bridge Capital and Franklin Partners announced today that the firms have partnered to acquire 55 Shuman Blvd., a 205,000-square-foot, high-profile office building in Naperville.

Known as MetroWest, the property was designed by Helmut Jahn with a distinctive N-shaped sloping facade and is one of the most recognizable buildings in Chicago’s western suburbs. Terms of the all-cash transaction were not disclosed. The owner of record will be BBC MetroWest LLC.

Constructed in 1986, the 10-story office building is highly visible from Interstate 88 and offers suites from 2,000 to 60,000 square feet. The property’s tenant base includes Dun & Bradstreet and Wells Fargo.

“This acquisition is an opportunity to create long-term value in Naperville’s most recognizable office building,” said Donald J. Shoemaker, principal, Franklin Partners. “As an all-cash buyer, we have the capital to invest in the property and plan on modernizing the facility to create an even more attractive environment for office tenants.”

The architecturally landscaped facility provides a range of amenities, including heated underground parking, an on-site deli, a large fitness center, and an executive conference center that can accommodate 75 people. Prominent building signage, facing Interstate 88, is available for a multi-floor tenant.

J.F. McKinney & Associates will be named the exclusive leasing agent for the property. Franklin Partners will be the property manager.