Baum Launches New Division, Hires Chicago Managing Director

Ari Topper, Tyler Dechter

Baum Realty Group has launched a new urban office and industrial division which will focus on leasing and sales opportunities in Chicago. Ari Topper will lead the new division as its managing director and Tyler Dechter, associate, will be assisting Topper with the launch. Dechter will provide landlord representation services, while also being responsible for market analysis, canvassing and marketing.

Before joining the company, Topper worked for Jameson Commercial, where he served as senior vice president of sales and leasing, working on office, industrial and investment projects. Dechter worked for Simon Property Group prior to joining Baum, where he was involved in lease analysis, rent spreads, occupancy issues and kick-outs.

“Baum’s urban office and industrial division was formed in direct response to the rapid increase in demand for non-traditional office and flex-industrial space throughout Chicago,” Mike Demetriou, Baum president, said in a prepared statement.

The Chicago-based real estate company focuses mostly on the retail sector. However, earlier this month, Baum closed $3.3 million sale of an office building located at 7180 W. Grand Ave. in Elmwood Park, Ill.

Photos courtesy of Baum Realty Group