Events Around Town

CREW Chicago’s recent gathering focused on beautiful and effective public spaces, featuring four women from Zeller Realty Group (ZRG) speaking about the unique plazas at 401 N Michigan (Pioneer Court) and Wrigley Plaza. Snapped: ZRG’s Lori Olson, Carrie Bradley, Jan Goldsmith, and Melissa Schastok. Lori talked about ZRG’s emerging marketing approach for Pioneer Court, which earns about $350,000 for 401 N Michigan without any external marketing efforts (it hosted an Ellen episode and was featured in Divergent, to name a few big moments), Jan hinted that Wrigley’s coming-soon Walgreens will be as elegant as the building’s exterior, and Melissa noted that the famous Marilyn statue the city still misses was a perfect example of the public art they like for Pioneer Court because it was exciting, controversial, and generated discussion.

Amata Office Centers just hosted an open house at its latest shared office center at 150 S Wacker Dr (its 6th Chicago location), raising $9,000 to support longtime tenant Israel Idonije Foundation’s youth programming in underserved communities (Chicago, Winnipeg, West Africa). Snapped: Amata partners Ron Bockstahler, Roger Koeppen, and Frank Chalupa, with the football star (and former Bear) and his foundation’s summer interns. Since its creation in 2007, the group has served more than 6,000 children through after-school programs, sports camps, and medical missions to Africa. Since opening in May, Amata has leased 64% of the 24th floor office space, which features more than 50 private suites plus amenities (like its signature Cognac Room).