Leasing and sale activity underscores growing demand for modern industrial facilities in Elgin and other northwest suburbs

NAI Hiffman, one of the nation’s largest independent real estate services companies, today announced the completion of four industrial transactions totaling 996,228 square feet in Elgin, Ill., within a two-month span this spring.

NAI Hiffman Executive Vice Presidents Steve Bass and Jack Brennan represented ownership groups and occupiers in the deals. Notably, three of the four transactions exceeded 245,000 square feet, highlighting continued demand for modern, large-scale distribution and manufacturing space in Chicago’s northwest suburban market.

The activity aligns with a broader trend NAI Hiffman has tracked across the Interstate 90 corridor. Since Jan. 1, 2025, approximately 65% of the nearly 2 million square feet of new leasing activity in the I-90 Northwest submarket has come from companies relocating from other Chicago-area industrial submarkets, including O’Hare, Central DuPage and Northwest Cook County. In addition, while the I-90 Northwest submarket recorded 178,099 square feet of positive absorption in the first quarter of 2026, the other three submarkets each posted negative absorption during the same period.

Among the I-90 Northwest transactions:

• Claire’s Essentials leased 248,400 square feet at 1100 Tollgate Road, relocating from Hoffman Estates and fully occupying a speculative industrial building. NAI Hiffman represented owner High Street Logistics.
• NAI Hiffman represented owner NorthPoint Development in two leases at Northwest Corporate Park: Intelex USA / Warmies leased 247,142 square feet at 2500 Galvin Drive in its move from Barrington, while Wool & Co. leased 58,085 square feet at 2300 Galvin Drive.
• Axium Plastics purchased a 442,601-square-foot manufacturing and distribution facility at 1717 Gifford Road, relocating from Addison and marking one of the larger owner-occupier industrial sales in the market. NAI Hiffman represented seller Brennan Investment Group.

“We’ve seen meaningful acceleration in activity throughout Elgin and the broader I-90 corridor as occupiers continue prioritizing efficiency, scalability and long-term operating advantages,” said Bass. “Whether it’s large-scale distribution users, manufacturers or ownership-oriented groups, companies are increasingly recognizing the value proposition this submarket offers, from modern facilities to strong labor access and regional connectivity.”

Several of the transactions involved Class A, high-image industrial facilities strategically positioned near I-90, offering immediate access to major transportation routes and the ability to serve regional and national distribution needs. The activity also reflects continued absorption of modern speculative facilities.

“What stands out about these transactions is the diversity of users and the scale of demand we’re continuing to see in Elgin,” said Brennan. “Three transactions exceeded 245,000 square feet, which speaks to the strength of the market and the continued appeal of well-located industrial assets that combine operational efficiency, flexibility and room for growth.”

As industrial real estate activity continues to evolve across the Chicago region, Elgin remains a focal point for occupiers seeking cost-effective alternatives to infill markets without sacrificing accessibility, labor availability or functionality.

About NAI Hiffman / Hiffman National:

NAI Hiffman is one of the largest independent commercial real estate services firms in the U.S., with a primary focus on metropolitan Chicago, and part of the NAI Global network. The firm provides institutional and private leasing, property management, tenant representation, capital markets, project services, research and marketing services for owners and occupiers of commercial real estate. To meet its clients’ growing needs outside of NAI Hiffman’s exclusive territory, the firm launched Hiffman National, a dedicated property solutions division, which provides property management, project services and property accounting services across the country. NAI Hiffman | Hiffman National is an award-winning company headquartered in suburban Chicago, with more than 275 employees strategically located throughout North America.