Astellas Breaks Ground on New 425,000 SF Headquarters

April 29, 2010
By Allison Landa, News Editor

Japanese pharmaceutical firm Astellas US Holding, Inc. today broke ground on its new 425,000 square-foot, two-building U.S. headquarters in Glenview, Ill. The acquisition of the eight-acre former Culligan Water site was done last year, with MB Real Estate’s Corporate Services and Tenant Advisory team representing Astellas.

MB Real Estate’s Project Services division will manage development of the project along with Chicago-based GlenStar Properties, LLC. The property will be designed by architecture firm Goettsch Partners.

Astellas’ current headquarters are in Deerfield, Ill., and they plan to move 1,000 employees to the new facility after completion in 2012. When fully occupied, the buildings will house 1,700 employees. The lot also has space for a third building, allowing Astellas to add another 600,000 square feet if necessary.

The complex will be built with an eye toward sustainability and LEED Gold certification. MB Real Estate Senior Vice President of Project Services David Graff said when announcing the news that features including a geothermal system will be incorporated.

“Astellas has been able to capitalize on favorable market conditions, including sensible construction and labor costs,” he said. “There really hasn’t been a better time to build in recent years.”