Skender’s Lauren Bauer Discusses the Future of Fulton Market

Skender’s Lauren Bauer joined a lively panel alongside several other construction, CRE, hospitality and development experts to discuss the necessities of creating a modern neighborhood at Bisnow’s Future of Fulton Market event.

Moderator Sandya Dandamudi of GI Stone led Lauren and panelists Duncan Wlodarczak of Onni Group of Companies, Alison Mills of CRG, Zoltan Payerli of The Emily Hotel, Marc Besteman of Industrious and LG Group’s Matt Wilke in a fascinating discussion on how construction, development and design are driving the success and growth of Fulton Market’s thriving hotel, office and apartment markets.

As one of Chicago’s hottest neighborhoods, Fulton Market is evolving at breakneck speed. The panelists agreed a major differentiator for new buildings in the area are the luxury amenities that now come standard in new builds and adaptive reuse projects alike.

“Post pandemic, we have had to learn how to be really flexible with space,” said Lauren. “While in 2021 few were going into the office, today people are looking for their workspace to be a destination. They want coffee, lunch and happy hour within walking distance, outdoor space where they can think and socialize, and even pickleball courts to play on after work.”

And it’s not just office buildings that are taking cues from hospitality industry amenities — mixed use and multifamily properties in Fulton Market are also building out a suite of luxury offerings for tenants that would have been unheard of 15 years ago. For instance, Skender is building 919 W Fulton, the 409,000-square-foot mixed-use office building with high-end finishes and curated amenities that include expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor terraces on all sides, a rooftop with a lounge and bar, several coworking and conference spaces, fitness center with full locker rooms and more.

“Fulton Market is adaptable,” said Lauren. “Walk into any building in this neighborhood and you feel like you could be going to work, a show, or a nice dinner — and maybe you can do all three things in one place.”