Focus Hosts Groundbreaking Event for New Tesla Distribution Center in Northbrook

Representing a Large Investment in the Village’s Economic and Environmental Future

Northbrook, IL (October 4, 2023) – Focus, a leader in real estate development and construction in Chicago, together with its partner Fort Union, broke ground today on a new, state-of-the-art electric vehicle sales, service, and distribution center for Tesla in Northbrook, IL. The project will help the Village of Northbrook achieve the goals set in their 2021 Climate Action Plan and increase economic investment in the community by bringing valuable jobs to the local market. The 50,000 square foot, standalone building will be purpose built to satisfy Tesla’s Chicagoland customers.

Focus and Fort Union were joined by Village of Northbrook President, Kathryn Ciesla at the groundbreaking who gave remarks emphasizing the positive economic impact this development will have on the Northbrook community saying, “Northbrook is a place where we want to be known for innovation and sustainable living and this development embodies that commitment,” said Ciesla. “We are also excited about the other benefits the operation of a Tesla SSD facility will bring to Northbrook including increased sales tax revenues, job opportunities, further development of the property, and ultimately a stronger commercial sector.”

The Northbrook location will function as a sales and service center for electric vehicles, providing new vehicle delivery, vehicle preparation, maintenance services, and lease renewals. The location will also include a showroom and ancillary office spaces.

“Building an electric vehicle sales, service, and delivery center of this magnitude in Illinois represents a significant milestone for us and our development partners," said Tim Anderson, CEO at Focus. “We look forward to completing this innovative development project and working with Tesla to create a lasting positive economic and environmental impact in Northbrook and throughout Illinois.”

The state-of-the-art facility will feature double height glass and reflect the bold, modern aesthetic that has become synonymous with the Tesla brand. The Tesla logo will be featured along the roofline on the north and south corner elements along with prominent red branding at the entry of the showroom. The facility will be adjacent to the Edens Expressway which sees over 125,000 vehicles per day.

“This deal required a true public-private partnership between the development team, Tesla and the Village of Northbrook. The result will be one of the largest Tesla facilities in the Midwest.” said Matt Hendy, Managing Principal at Fort Union. “Tesla is a world class organization, and we are extremely grateful to work with their talented team, the professionals at the Village of Northbrook and the Board of Trustees. Without them this project wouldn’t have been possible.”

The development team anticipates construction on the sales, service and distribution center will be completed in the first half of 2024.

About Focus

Focus exists at the intersection of development and construction. For 30 years, their teams have worked diligently to exceed expectations and transform communities. As a vertically integrated development and construction company, Focus is responsible for distinctive developments that value over $2.4 billion. These projects range from smaller, multifamily communities in historic districts to high-density, mixed-use redevelopments in thriving downtowns. For more information, visit workwthfocus.com

About Fort Union

Fort Union is a national real estate development and investment firm specializing in value-add investments, build-to-suit development, sale/leasebacks and advisory services. Founded with a background in large-format retail, the company leverages its nearly two decades of institutional experience with an entrepreneurial mindset to find value in this complex macro-environment. For more information, visit www.ft-union.com.