The American Library Association (ALA) has appointed Cushman & Wakefield as its real estate advisory firm to help develop strategic real estate options that support the mission, business, and financial goals of ALA.
As the real estate advisor, Cushman & Wakefield will provide real estate and consulting services to achieve ALA’s stated goals and optimize the value of the current headquarters at 40–50 East Huron Street in Chicago, with the aim to “help the Association achieve greater operational excellence, grow its membership base, and have more resources to invest in programs and services for members,” according to a February 28 statement.
“Cushman & Wakefield will provide us with strategic real estate advice and services,” said Mary Ghikas, ALA executive director, in the release. “The firm has the requisite deep experience with not-for-profits and downtown Chicago headquarters and the right resources to help us identify and secure the best real estate options.”
J. Frank Franzese, executive vice president at Cushman & Wakefield, also said in the statement: “We are in enthusiastic support of the ALA’s mission to develop, promote, and improve libraries and access to information services to enhance learning for all ages. We look forward to a strategic working relationship with them to determine the highest and best use of their real estate here in Chicago.”
