Veteran industrial developer brings 25 years of experience and a legacy of leadership at Duke Realty
CRG, the Chicago-based real estate development and investment management firm, announced today that Susan Bergdoll has joined the firm as senior vice president and partner for the Midwest industrial region. In this new role, Bergdoll will be responsible for the development of CRG’s speculative and build-to-suit warehouses in the Midwest for e-commerce, Fortune 500 and other clients.
With over 25 years of expereince in commercial real estate, Bergdoll offers strategic insights and a proven track record that will further strengthen CRG’s industrial real estate presence in the Midwest. Prior to joining CRG, Bergdoll was responsible for overseeing Duke Realty’s $1.7 billion, nearly 40 million-square-foot Midwest industrial portfolio. Annually, she steered the development of a $150-$250 million speculative and build-to-suit pipeline, which included notable deals with major Fortune 100 and 500 brands.
“We are thrilled to partner with Susan to lead CRG’s industrial development efforts in the Midwest,” said Shawn Clark, chief executive officer of CRG. “Her experience, reputation and national relationships will deliver great value to our clients and investors. She is particularly knowledgeable about Chicago, one our most important markets. It’s our home base of operations and one of the most significant industrial markets in the world. I’m excited to double down here.”
Throughout her career, Bergdoll has showcased her strength in the Chicago market, initiating development starts valued at over $655 million for such clients as Home Depot, Wayfair, Amazon, UPS and Kimberly-Clark. Her top deals highlight her expertise navigating complex land acquisitions, lease negotiations and municipal processes.
“CRG has built an incredible reputation and platform to deliver exceptional real estate across the country. I’m thrilled to join as a partner to lead the industrial development activities in the Midwest region,” said Bergdoll. “I’m confident that my background and experience in Chicago and other Midwest regional markets will contribute to CRG’s mission and philosophy of developing for the future and anticipating the enhanced needs of tomorrow’s modern industrial users.”
A graduate of Indiana University Bloomington, Bergdoll was a five-time recipient of the coveted Duke Realty’s Masters Club award, clinched the title of Duke Salesperson of the Year and won the Chicago NAIOP Deal of the Year in 2021.
“Having had the privilege of working with Susan at Duke, I am excited to welcome her into the fold at CRG. Her unparalleled track record in commercial real estate speaks for itself, and her vision aligns perfectly with the innovation and reliability of CRG’s platform,” said Steve Schnur, chief operating officer at CRG. “I am confident that together, we will achieve new heights with our industrial brand, The Cubes, and further solidify CRG’s foothold in the Midwest region.”
Earlier this year, CRG executed a 1-million-square-foot full-building lease at The Cubes at Country Club Hills in Country Club Hills, Ill., near Chicago. It was CRG’s first The Cubes-branded industrial development in the Chicago area and also the first investment made by the firm’s investment vehicle, U.S. Logistics Fund II (USLF II). Other Midwest projects include The Cubes at French Lake, a 65-acre site in Dayton, Minn., about 20 miles northwest of downtown Minneapolis.
CRG’s industrial brand, The Cubes, is designed with an emphasis on sustainability and implements state-of-the-art specifications, including maximum clear heights, dock doors and trailer storage to keep pace with the shift to consumer-centric logistic strategies. Nationally, CRG has planned, broken ground on or completed over 53 million square feet of The Cubes-branded facilities throughout the U.S.
About CRG:
CRG is a privately owned North American real estate development and investment firm founded in 1993 with deep expertise in delivering and owning industrial, office, multifamily, student housing and mixed-use assets. The firm serves clients and investors from eight regional offices benefiting from local expertise in Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Seattle, SoCal, Phoenix, Philadelphia and Atlanta. CRG has developed more than 12,500 acres of land and delivered over 220 million square feet of assets exceeding $14 billion in value. For more information, visit CRG’s website at www.realcrg.com.
About The Cubes:
The Cubes is a North American industrial brand owned and developed by CRG. The Cubes represents CRG’s philosophy of developing for the future and anticipating the enhanced needs of tomorrow’s modern industrial users. The Cubes are designed with an emphasis on sustainability and implement state-of-the-art specifications, including maximum clear heights, dock doors and trailer storage to keep pace with the shift to consumer-centric logistic strategies. The Cubes are located in strategic locations that take into consideration both logistics and labor supply, always with the end user in mind.
Susan Bergdoll: Susan Bergdoll has joined CRG as senior vice president and partner for the Midwest industrial region.