Ceremonial wall demolition connects east and west sides of Bell Works in Hoffman Estates

A major milestone was reached this week in the evolution of the Bell Works Chicagoland “metroburb” in Hoffman Estates.

The wall that had divided the initial redevelopment of the east side of the former AT&T headquarters from the now nearly renovated west side was ceremonially dismantled with local officials in attendance.

Within the coming months more than 500,000 square feet of available space will be unlocked on the west side, making room for dozens of new office, retail and hospitality tenants to make their homes there.

“It’s the beginning of Bell Works phase two,” Hoffman Estates Mayor Bill McLeod said. “It’s ready to go. It’s the last phase of the whole Bell Works saga.”

When renovations are completed, the west side will have 430,000 square feet of office space as well, including about 35,000 square feet of fully furnished “Ready-to-Wear” suites available for either short- or long-term leases. There will be 70,000 square feet of available retail space.

Though New Jersey-based Inspired by Somerset Development wasn’t announcing new tenants at the event, McLeod said he believes there will be a proposal for at least one more restaurant on the west side.

Redevelopment of the identical east side was just getting underway during the pandemic and is nearly fully leased. It’s been a prime source of the highly amenitized Class A office space in the Northwest suburbs that’s been in high demand among employers since the pandemic.

This year will also see the completion of the first of 164 townhouses on the east side of the 152-acre campus. A subsequent phase will bring about 300 apartments.

“There’s a need for new homes in Illinois and Hoffman Estates and we’re doing it,” McLeod said.

Those residential components are aimed to fulfill the vision of the redeveloping former corporate headquarters as a “metroburb” where people work, live, shop and enjoy entertainment all in one place.

Bell Works Chicagoland and the original Bell Works in Holmdel, New Jersey, are the vision of Inspired by Somerset Development President and CEO Ralph Zucker to redevelop similarly designed campuses that previously housed telecommunications companies.

Zucker said the advantages of the Hoffman Estates site have been an even better location and proof-of-concept from day one.