JLL Hires Brokerage Team to Boost Chicago Lab Market

The six-person team aims to help developers meet strict leasing requirements to clear the way for new lab projects.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Commercial

JLL Hires Brokerage Team to Boost Chicago Lab Market

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JLL has hired a six-person brokerage team from rival firm CBRE to bolster its Chicago-based life-sciences practice. The group brings a significant track record of high-profile commercial transactions, including major moves in the Fulton Market and Thompson Center areas.

Why it matters

The addition of this team aims to accelerate the growth of Chicago's life-sciences infrastructure, a sector currently limited by a lack of new lab construction. This shift highlights the ongoing competition among major brokerage firms to secure top talent capable of navigating complex pre-leasing requirements.

The six-person team has collectively completed over 75 million square feet of transactions worth more than $50 billion. Currently, lenders in the Chicago life-sciences market require 40% to 50% pre-leasing before financing new lab buildings, which are not currently under construction.

The players

JLL

A global commercial real estate services firm that manages diverse property portfolios and investment sales.

CBRE

A worldwide commercial real estate services and investment company that competes with JLL for high-level brokerage talent.

Kyle Kamin

A seasoned broker who has facilitated major corporate relocations including Google’s expansion into the Chicago market.

The details

The new JLL team manages leasing for high-profile properties including Fulton Labs, Evanston Labs, and Hyde Park Labs. They previously helped secure over 275,000 square feet for Morningstar at the Thompson Center and facilitated Google's move to Fulton Market. By moving to JLL, the team intends to leverage their expertise to help developers overcome strict lender pre-leasing thresholds that have stalled new lab construction in the city.

2015: Kyle Kamin represented Google in its Fulton Market relocation.
2021: Fulton Labs opened for tenants.
October 2026: JLL hired the six-person brokerage team from CBRE.

The Home Front

This brokerage shift highlights the high barrier to entry for new laboratory projects in Chicago, where lenders now require 40% to 50% pre-leasing. Without these commitments, the supply of new lab space remains stagnant, impacting long-term commercial real estate development in the city.

While this news pertains to commercial property, residents in impacted areas like Fulton Market or Hyde Park may see continued changes in local development density and neighborhood commercial amenities. Follow major city zoning and development announcements to stay informed on how these projects alter your local surroundings.

The takeaway

Commercial talent shifts often signal where large-scale development is heading, especially in specialized sectors like life sciences. Track ongoing progress at Fulton Labs and other key properties to gauge how new office and lab developments influence neighborhood growth and property demand.