Nicor makes deal to consolidate offices

The Keystone Property Group has announced a long-term lease with Nicor National in Naperville.

Billed as one of the 10 largest lease transactions in the Chicago area this year, the agreement paves the way for Nicor to use more than 65,000 square feet of space at the center on West Diehl Road. The new lease means that almost 91 percent of the two-building Corporate Center is now being utilized.

In a report published by the Illinois Real Estate Journal, Brian Lauck, regional director of Keystone, acknowledged Nicor and the city of Naperville's efforts in forging the lease agreement.

"Being able to come to terms with a highly recognized tenant like Nicor National in today's market can only be attributed to the joint efforts of all involved," Lauck said. "We welcome Nicor to East-West Corporate Center and thank Nicor, the brokers, the city of Naperville and our personnel at Keystone Property Group for their endless efforts to realize this new relationship."

Keystone manages more than a quarter-million square feet of office space at the East-West Corporate Center,

Public relations manager for Nicor Richard Caragol said the new lease agreement was consummated in an effort to provide space for the company's current and future space needs as it looks to expand its presence throughout the country. The lease at the new facility is for about 12 years.

The expansion echoes a re-branding effort by the company announced earlier this September when the company changed its name from Nicor Services to Nicor National.

A press release from the company said "the Nicor National name broadens the marketing of company products and services throughout the country" and that "the new company name reflects its national scope and future business direction."

"Nicor National currently is operating in territories in 15 states, and the goal of the company is to have a presence across the country," he said.

The immediate goal for the Corporate Center property is to use it to consolidate two Nicor offices — one in Geneva, the other in Naperville at 2019 Corporate Lane.

"The Geneva location is used as our call center and business development, while the Naperville location handles corporate operations and support," Caragol said. "Our plan is to consolidate both of these into one location."

Caragol said plans are to move the Geneva location in first, beginning in the spring of 2010, followed by the Naperville site. The entire consolidation process is expected to be completed by 2012.