CHICAGO (December 10, 2024) – Neal Gerber Eisenberg (NGE) today announced plans to move to The Bell (225 West Randolph Street), a newly renovated Chicago landmark, from its current office at Two North Lasalle Street in May 2025. The new location, recently rebranded The Bell in a nod to its origins as the Illinois Bell Building, opened in 1966 and was designated a Chicago landmark in 2021.
The firm will occupy floors 27 through 29 of the historic tower. Attorneys and staff will enjoy new offices designed to maximize natural light, featuring sit-stand desks in each office and workstation, and interactive technologies in conference rooms and collaborative workspaces. The firm will also have access to three floors of building amenities.
CBRE represented NGE in the lease negotiations with The Onni Group, the building owner. Clune Construction Company is the general contractor for the office space construction, with Gensler heading the effort to design the new space. Novo Sustainability is advising the firm on sustainability and environmental impact.
"As one of the largest single-office law firms in the country, we believe in downtown Chicago—in its diversity, its history, and the community we've been proud to be a part of for nearly 40 years," said Bobby Gerber, Managing Partner of NGE. "Our move to this historic building underscores our commitment to the city, and we look forward to calling it our home for many years to come."
“NGE’s first relocation in over 30 years presented a significant opportunity to deliver new office space that excites and energizes the firm’s clients, attorneys and staff,” added Todd Lippman, Vice Chairman, CBRE. “NGE partnered with CBRE to outline the detailed priorities for their new space and undertook a careful selection process to identify the location in line with NGE's current needs and plans for future growth. Ultimately, The Bell's best-in-class amenities and optimal location in the heart of Chicago align with NGE's goal of providing premium office space in an innovative work setting.”
A Positive Impact on Chicago
In developing their new space, NGE ensured it was making a positive impact on Chicago. NGE required contractors to demonstrate how they give back to the city and actively foster a diverse workforce.
“During the preconstruction phase, NGE COO Sonia Menon challenged us to move beyond conventional hiring practices, encouraging meaningful conversations with trade partners about their commitments to social, environmental, and governance principles,” said Andy Holub, Senior Vice President, Clune Construction Company. “This approach enabled us to build a diverse bidders list and prioritize companies based on partnerships with minority and women owned business enterprises, charitable initiatives, and efforts to provide a diverse on-site workforce. These discussions often served as tiebreakers in the selection process, rewarding trade partners whose values aligned with our teams. With the support of Gensler, CBRE, and NGE, we demonstrated the power of collaboration in achieving both project success and societal impact. Inspired by this process, we plan to incorporate these practices into future projects, making it easier to identify trade partners who share our core values while advancing equity, sustainability, and community engagement in the industry.”
Championing a Greener Future
NGE has long prioritized sustainability as part of its commitment to being a responsible organization in Chicago and around the world. This commitment was reaffirmed throughout the new office buildout and in the firm’s purchasing decisions. The firm hopes to achieve the highest possible LEED certification and Zero Carbon certification for its new space. In 2023, NGE was one of four firms globally to receive a top rating from the All Legal Industry Sustainability Standard assessment.
"At Neal Gerber Eisenberg, sustainability is not just a goal—it is a fundamental value that influences every decision we make," said Sonia Menon, Chief Operating Officer for NGE and Chair of the firm’s Sustainability Committee. "Our new office at The Bell is a testament to this commitment. From implementing energy-efficient systems to reusing existing furniture and selecting zero-carbon-based materials, every aspect of our new space is designed to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and promote a healthier, more sustainable future. We are proud to set new standards for sustainability in the legal industry and look forward to expanding these initiatives at The Bell."
NGE’s new office will feature materials and furniture from renowned sustainable brands such as Haworth, Andreu World, and Kielhauer, chosen for their focus on sustainability, innovative design, and lower environmental impact. The Bell’s redevelopment includes a state-of-the-art Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) HVAC system for enhanced energy efficiency and superior climate control. Combined with double-paned argon-gas windows, this significantly reduces energy consumption. Additionally, Dedicated Outdoor Air Systems (DOAS) units with energy recovery wheels ensure a continuous supply of fresh air while minimizing energy loss.
“NGE’s pursuit of LEED Platinum Certification and Zero Carbon Certification underscores their dedication to environmental stewardship and sustainability. With a strong focus on energy and water efficiency, as well as embodied carbon reduction through materials reuse and the prioritization of locally sourced products, this project will set a new standard for all professional services firms—and especially the legal industry,” said Laci Hoskins, founder and principal, Novo Sustainability. “Achieving these milestone certifications will inspire other organizations by proving what is possible when a firm truly integrates sustainable practices throughout the design, construction, and operations of its office.”
Leading-Edge Design for Enhanced Collaboration
The new office will promote in-person teamwork in the hybrid work era. Each corner of the new space will be devoted to a collaborative workspace. Conference rooms will feature the latest audiovisual technologies and tablets for easy booking. All individual offices will be a single size, with glass-fronted walls that let in natural light throughout the space—part of the firm's commitment to the “Right to Light”.
“NGE’s new office at the top of The Bell is a milestone in Chicago law firm design. In addition to the project’s Net Zero and LEED Platinum objectives, the design prioritizes post-pandemic design principles: air, light and openness. Great care has been taken to achieve egalitarian daylight access, vertical connection of the firm’s collegial culture across three floors and optimization of spatial volumes that imbue a sense of hospitality and community engagement. This project sets a new standard for what balancing professional, timeless, forward-thinking spaces with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship can look like,” said Jim Prendergast, Principal, Gensler.
Workplace as a Destination with Best-In-Class Amenities
The Bell is set to redefine the workplace experience, offering a range of top-tier amenities designed to enhance the work-life balance of its tenants. These include a 10,500 square-foot state-of-the-art fitness center complete with wellness areas and a variety of fitness options to suit every preference. The building also boasts a 6,000-square-foot conference center with multi-purpose rooms, conference rooms, and pre-function space, accommodating up to 210 people. The Bell's expansive tenant lounges are designed for relaxation and socializing, with amenities like a library bar, pickleball courts, golf simulator, F1 simulators, cozy fireplaces, indoor/outdoor terraces, and vibrant social lounges. The 10,000 square-foot rooftop terrace features 360° views, private dining spaces, a Zen garden, firepits, and bookable cabanas.
“We are excited to bring The Bell back to life. Re-imagining an iconic building in the heart of downtown Chicago is an exciting opportunity,” said Greg Wilks, Senior Vice President, Onni Group. “We sought to deliver a modern workplace that meets the changing needs of our tenants and their employees. NGE’s vision for their new home aligned perfectly with our plans. We look forward to welcoming NGE to take advantage of all The Bell has to offer.”
About NGE
Neal Gerber Eisenberg is a leading law firm dedicated to handling sophisticated matters for entrepreneurs, public companies, and private businesses and their owners. More than one-third of the lawyers at Neal Gerber Eisenberg are recognized in the most recent Best Lawyers in America listing and represent scores of the Fortune 100 and many of the best-known private companies. The firm is also a trusted advisor to startups, growth companies and entrepreneurs. The firm has built over thirty years of trusted partnerships with clients that span the globe, and we meet each unique client need with the same personalized service and collaboration that provide the most practical solutions for every matter.