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Your Trusted Partner for Commercial Real Estate Solutions
Van Vlissingen has been a leader in commercial real estate since 1879, offering brokerage, property management, and development services across Chicagoland. Our team of experts combines over a century of local market knowledge with modern innovation to deliver tailored solutions for tenants, buyers, and property owners. We prioritize personalized service, leveraging deep industry relationships and data-driven insights to maximize client outcomes. As one of the oldest privately-owned firms in the Midwest, we maintain a boutique approach, ensuring executive-level attention to every transaction. Our portfolio includes landmark developments like the Wrigley Building and Lincolnshire Corporate Center, reflecting our commitment to quality and service excellence.We specialize in adaptive reuse, office-to-industrial conversions, and strategic asset management, serving clients from small businesses to institutional investors. Our 24/7 maintenance team and proprietary marketing strategies ensure properties remain competitive in evolving markets. Recognized with awards like the AIA Chicago Distinguished Building Award, we continue to set industry standards through innovation and client-centric service.
Services
Commercial Property Management
Office Space Conversions
Industrial Real Estate Sales
Tenant Representation
Market Feasibility Analysis
Asset Repositioning
Zoning Consultation
Portfolio Management
Lease Negotiation
Development Advisory
Highlights and features
- We offer 140+ years of localized commercial real estate expertise in Chicagoland markets
- Our team provides hands-on representation with executive-level brokers handling every transaction
- We implement data-driven market analysis using proprietary tools and historical insights
- Our 24/7 maintenance team ensures prompt property service and tenant satisfaction
- We specialize in innovative office-to-industrial conversion strategies for modern demand
What people say
Premises In Top Shape
Timely Property Management
Expert Guidance
Maximized Asset Value
Proactive Service
Services
Commercial Property Management
Our property management services cover office, industrial, and mixed-use assets across Chicagoland. We provide 24/7 maintenance, tenant relations, financial reporting, and compliance management. Our local expertise ensures optimal asset performance through proactive maintenance and strategic marketing.
Office Space Conversions
We specialize in transforming outdated office buildings into industrial, residential, or mixed-use developments. Our team conducts feasibility studies, navigates zoning regulations, and implements strategic demolition or adaptive reuse plans to maximize property value in evolving markets.
Tenant Representation
We advocate for tenants in lease negotiations, space expansions, and relocations. Our brokers leverage market data and relationships to secure favorable terms while addressing complex requirements like build-to-suit specifications and multi-location portfolios.
Market Feasibility Analysis
Our data-driven feasibility studies assess property potential through comparative market analysis, structural reviews, and zoning evaluations. We provide actionable insights on highest-and-best-use scenarios, redevelopment strategies, and investment viability across Chicagoland submarkets.
Zoning Consultation
We guide clients through complex zoning regulations and entitlement processes. Our services include rezoning applications, overlay district analysis, and incentive program utilization to facilitate property conversions, expansions, or new developments in compliance with local ordinances.
People
Charles R. Lamphere
President
Leading the firm since 1990, Charles brings 30+ years of experience in commercial real estate development and brokerage. He holds a Master's in Management from Kellogg School of Management and oversees $1B+ in transactions and 8M sq ft of developed properties.
Nicholas D. Panarese III
Executive Vice President
With 33 years at Van Vlissingen, Nick specializes in industrial and office leasing. A SIOR-certified broker, he manages Lake County operations and serves on multiple real estate associations while maintaining active brokerage and management roles.
Gordon Lamphere
Vice President
Gordon leads sales and leasing initiatives with legal expertise from Tulane Law School. He hosts The Real Finds Podcast, analyzing market trends and providing strategic insights for clients' real estate decisions across Chicagoland.
Sarah K. Lamphere
Vice President
Managing a $400M portfolio, Sarah directs property management operations with 17 years of experience. A Stanford economics graduate, she combines brokerage expertise with certified property management credentials to optimize asset performance.
John Nawrocki
Vice President
Overseeing financial operations for 23 years, John applies his CPA background to portfolio analysis and budget management. He integrates financial strategy with real estate operations while serving on multiple charitable boards.
Questions
What commercial real estate services do you offer?
We provide brokerage, property management, development, and consulting services for office, industrial, and mixed-use properties across Chicagoland and Southern Wisconsin.
How do you handle property management differently?
Our 24/7 maintenance team and localized approach ensure prompt service while leveraging economies of scale for cost-effective property operations across our portfolio.
Can you help with office-to-industrial conversions?
Yes, we specialize in adaptive reuse strategies, including feasibility analysis, zoning transitions, and implementation of office-to-industrial conversion projects across the Midwest.
What markets do you cover?
We focus on Chicago's north and northwest suburbs, Lake County, DuPage County, and select Southern Wisconsin areas with deep local market expertise.
How do you approach tenant representation?
We prioritize understanding business needs to negotiate optimal lease terms, utilizing market data and relationships to secure spaces that align with clients' operational requirements.
What sets you apart from other firms?
Our century-plus experience combined with boutique service model allows executive-level attention while maintaining institutional-grade resources and market intelligence.
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