Global scientific and engineering consulting firm to move offices to renovated loft building from River North
Global scientific and engineering consulting firm Thornton Tomasetti has signed a new lease for 18,943 square feet on the seventh floor at 600 West Fulton, a nine-story, 214,000-square-foot loft office building in Chicago’s Fulton Market District that is owned by Parkside Realty, Inc.
Located at the corner of Fulton and Jefferson streets, near the gateway to the burgeoning mixed-use district that has attracted office users across industries, 600 West Fulton will house Thornton Tomasetti’s Chicago-based operations, which are being relocated from 330 N. Wabash in River North. Molly Carroll and Andy Strand of JLL represented Thornton Tomasetti in the lease, while Barb Schenberg of Parkside Realty represented ownership.
“Thornton Tomasetti’s roots in Chicago go back more than 50 years, and our work can be seen across the city’s skyline and at many of its landmarks,” said Thornton Tomasetti Associate Principal and Chicago Office Co-Leader Rachel Michelin. “We are committed to Chicago and look forward to our continued growth here. With our staff fully back in the office, we require modern space that fosters collaboration and creativity, not only between our employees but our clients as well, and attracts top talent. 600 West Fulton checked all the boxes. We look forward to this next chapter and to making a positive contribution to our new neighborhood.”
“Fulton Market is a place where global firms like Thornton Tomasetti can thrive, and 600 West Fulton stands out to today’s office tenants that are gravitating toward modern, functional environments that people enjoy spending time in and that offer a dynamic mix of private workspaces and communal areas,” said Barb Schenberg, executive vice president of leasing for Parkside Realty. “This is the latest in a series of recent leases at 600 West Fulton – some with companies that are relocating to Chicago from other cities – that demonstrate why Fulton Market is one of the hottest office submarkets in the country.”
Originally built in 1895 to house Sears & Roebuck’s original warehouse and converted to a loft-style office building in 1982, 600 West Fulton pioneered the loft office movement in Fulton Market as one of the area’s first redeveloped industrial spaces. The building was completely renovated in 2021 and now offers modern, open floor plates with exposed ceiling systems, hands-free high-speed elevators, a state-of-the-art AirPHX air and surface disinfectant system and an array of new tenant amenities, including a fully equipped fitness center, dedicated yoga studio, inviting tenant lounge and ample bike storage.
Floor plates in the building are 25,000 square feet and feature 10- to 12-foot ceilings and expansive windows that allow for maximum daylighting and are ideally suited for a range of workspaces. Located just two blocks from Fulton Market’s famed Restaurant Row and near major expressways, CTA’s bus routes and ‘L’ rail stations and Metra’s commuter rail, the transit-friendly building also includes a two-story atrium lobby, keyless entry and covered parking for tenants.
“Thornton Tomasetti’s enthusiasm to return to the office demonstrates its commitment to idea sharing and real-time problem-solving,” said Molly Carroll, JLL Managing Director. “A physical office presence is essential for long-term growth and innovation and allows businesses to realize their full potential. We look forward to watching Thornton Tomasetti’s continued growth in and outside of Chicago.”
“World Business Chicago is proud to recognize Thornton Tomasetti as a valued contributor to our city’s vibrant business community,” said Michael Fassnacht, President & CEO, World Business Chicago. “We extend our best wishes to the firm’s outstanding team of engineers, scientists, architects and other professionals as they embark on an exciting new chapter of growth at 600 West Fulton.”
With its ideal location, the brick-and-timber building has secured several new tenants recently. In November 2022, Matthews Real Estate Investment Services opened an office to house the firm’s debt and equity services division, Matthews Capital Markets. Additionally, Pittsburgh-based 3PL company Elite Transit Solutions recently opened its first office in Chicago with a sales center for clients and carrier partners, while Kindle Communications relocated its offices to the building last year. Other occupants include Access Community Health Network and Epstein Global.
600 West Fulton sits at the gateway to Fulton Market, home to the global headquarters of Mondelēz; McDonald’s corporate headquarters; Kimberly-Clark’s North American Commercial Center; tech campuses for Google, Glassdoor and Dyson; showrooms and offices for leading design firms Knoll, Herman Miller, Steelcase, Tarkett and others; and prominent advertising, professional and financial services firms. Many of the city’s most popular hotels, restaurants, cafes and retailers are within a five-minute walk of the building, which also offers easy access to public transit.
“When it comes to scoring the most business relocations and expansions, it’s no surprise that Chicago is ranked No. 1 for the 10th straight year by Site Selection Magazine,” said Bob Wislow, chairman and CEO of Parkside Realty. “The city’s dynamic business environment and deep labor pool continue to be catalysts for growth, with Fulton Market leading the way as an attractive location for premier employers and top-tier talent.”
Visit LoopNet for a virtual tour of 600 West Fulton and for more details about the property. For leasing and customization inquiries, contact Barb Schenberg at (312) 481-8421 or barb@parkside-realty.com
About Parkside Realty, Inc.:
Led by veteran developers Bob Wislow and Camille Julmy, Parkside Realty, Inc. operates under a long-term, generational ownership structure. After developing its properties, Parkside directly leases and manages them, maintaining a successful, proven hands-on approach. Parkside listens to its valued tenants and provides top quality, efficient, sustainable and cost-effective solutions to improve business operations and employee engagement. Committed to urban development, especially in Chicago, the executive team has served for years in civic and industry leadership roles with the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Chicago Development Council, Greater North Michigan Avenue Association and Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago. They have received the Urban Land Institute Award of Excellence four times, and Wislow is a distinguished recipient of the Urban Land Institute Lifetime Achievement Award.
About Thornton Tomasetti:
Thornton Tomasetti applies engineering and scientific principles to solve the world’s challenges and lay the groundwork for a better, more resilient future. An organization of 1,500 employees worldwide, we support clients by drawing on the diverse expertise of our integrated practices. Whether we’re focusing on the design, construction and performance of structures, addressing climate change, or developing new technologies, we bring innovation to everyday tasks and look to solve the most complex problems. We are committed to being a sustainable, diverse and enduring organization and the global driver of change and innovation in the industries we serve. For more information visit www.ThorntonTomasetti.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Vimeo or YouTube.
