Friedman Properties has completed an 80,000-square-foot lease renewal and expansion with law firm Bartlit Beck LLP at Court House Place, an office property at 54 W. Hubbard St. in Chicago’s River North neighborhood. The transaction grows Bartlit Beck’s occupancy at the building by more than 20%, reinforcing the firm’s long-standing presence at the property.
Bartlit Beck is a national law firm that has been headquartered at Court House Place since 1993. As part of the latest lease transaction, renovations are scheduled to begin on an additional 15,000 square feet of space, reflecting the firm’s expanded footprint within the building. Details on the lease term and financial terms were not disclosed.
Court House Place is a seven-story, 107,000-square-foot office building with a documented history in Chicago’s built environment. Designed by architect Otto H. Matz and completed in 1893, the property is characterized by its Romanesque architectural style, including an arched entry, corner tourelles, arcade windows and a rusticated stone facade. These elements contribute to the property’s distinct identity within the River North office market.
Friedman Properties acquired Court House Place in 1985 and subsequently carried out a full redevelopment. The work modernized the building for contemporary office use while maintaining the historic character of the structure. As a result, the property combines updated office space with preserved architectural details, positioning it as a historically significant yet functional office asset.
Court House Place holds formal historic recognition, as it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has also been designated a Chicago landmark. These designations underscore the building’s architectural and historical value and may influence long-term stewardship and capital planning for the asset.
The lease renewal and expansion with Bartlit Beck underscores the continued use of Court House Place as a headquarters location for a national law firm, supported by forthcoming interior renovations to accommodate the additional space.
