School Board Denies Bradford Allen’s Office Purchase bid

Bradford Allen’s Arlington Heights expansion hit a roadblock following the developer’s failed bid to acquire a former school district headquarters building.

The Chicago-based developer’s $5.45 million bid to purchase the 24,000-square-foot office building at 2123 South Arlington Heights Road was rejected in a 4-2 vote by District 214’s board despite the offer exceeding the district’s original purchase price by $100,000, the Daily Herald reported. The offer came to $227 per square foot, or $838,500 per acre.

District 214 board member Bill Dussling, who opposed the sale, cited the property’s potential for future appreciation as a reason to retain it.

“We have a large piece of property that will fit into Arlington Heights’ future development in the southern corridor,” he said.

Situated on 6.5 acres, the property previously served as the administrative hub for Elk Grove Township Elementary District 59.

District 214 bought it for $5.35 million in 2022 under a lease-to-purchase agreement with Nicholas & Associates. The district explored building a fine arts center on the land, but those plans were ultimately abandoned due to costs. The building has remained vacant since May, leaving its future uncertain.

The board’s decision comes as Bradford Allen, headed by principals and co-founders Jeffery Bernstein and Laurence Elbaum, work to reshape Arlington Heights’ southern corridor. The firm, in partnership with architect Moceri + Rozsak, has embarked on a multi-phase redevelopment project at Arlington Heights and Algonquin roads.

The initial phase of the project will include a 301-unit apartment complex with 26,000 square feet of retail space, supported by $17.8 million in tax increment financing. The development is part of a larger 16-acre master plan that will also feature a medical office and additional retail buildings, with construction expected to be completed by July 2026.

While the developer failed to secure the former school district headquarters, it was successful in adding a former Guitar Center building to its assemblage back in April.

—Andrew Terrell