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- 🏗️ Chicagoland's $10B Project Breaks Ground & More!
🏗️ Chicagoland's $10B Project Breaks Ground & More!
Big moves in Chicagoland this week!
Brandon Blankenship
December 12, 2025
Happy Friday!
The old Sears campus in Hoffman Estates is getting a serious upgrade. Construction crews are raising the walls on the first of five massive data centers planned for the 273-acre site, part of a $10 billion tech transformation led by Compass Datacenters. It’s a major shift from retail to digital, and it’s happening right in our backyard. 🏗️
❄️ Today’s weather:
Snow showers with a high of 28°F. 20% chance of precipitation, 79% humidity, and winds around 11 mph. Feels like winter because, well... it is.
📺 My Shocking Chicago Housing Market Predictions for 2026: In this week’s video, I lay out the big swings I expect in prices, demand, and the neighborhoods that could change fast.
🍴 Check out The Foodie’s Guide for this week’s best eats, and scroll down for WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS? — your weekend events roundup.
Let’s dive in!
—Brandon Blankenship, Founder of Living Chicago Suburbs / Realtor with Keller Williams Premiere Properties
Events
💭 WHAT'S HAPPENIN' IN THE 'BURBS?
This Weekend Events…
Naperville Municipal Band Holiday Concert
Enjoy a festive evening of holiday music as the Naperville Municipal Band fills Wentz Concert Hall with seasonal favorites.
📍 Location: Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Dec 12 | 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info
The Colonel’s Christmas Tour at the McCormick House
Step inside the historic McCormick House for an immersive, one-hour holiday tour featuring festive décor, expert guides, and a seasonal drink in the Colonel’s hidden bar. Includes admission to the Christmas at Cantigny Light Show.
📍 Location: McCormick House, Cantigny Park, Wheaton
🗓️ Date & Time: Dec 12 & 19 | 4 PM to 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $75 (includes Light Show admission)
🔗 More Info
Winter Fest at Fox Valley Mall
A family-friendly afternoon with live entertainment, crafts, cookie decorating, free pizza while supplies last, face painting, giveaways, and more.
📍 Location: Center Park, Fox Valley Mall, Aurora
🗓️ Date & Time: Dec 13 | 1 PM to 4 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info
Riverwalk Moon Viewing
Look through member telescopes to view the moon and other night-sky objects during this free public stargazing night along the Riverwalk. Weather permitting.
📍 Location: Naperville Riverwalk, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Dec 13 | 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info
DuPage Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Magic
A seasonal tradition featuring global holiday favorites, festive medleys, and a surprise guest narrator. Two performances only.
📍 Location: Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Dec 14 | 3 PM and 5 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $5 to $26
🔗 More Info
Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored
Free Home Buying Seminar This January
Learn how to buy a home in Chicagoland in a relaxed, easy way.
Jesse Furrow and I are hosting a free home-buying seminar on January 10 at Ko-Ze Wine Room in Glen Ellyn. You’ll get practical tips, market updates, and answers to your questions. Coffee and bagels are on them. A great chance to learn, meet people, and feel confident about your next move.
News
🏗️ $10B Tech Project Moves In Where Retail Moved Out
Driving the news: Construction is underway on the first two data centers at the old Sears headquarters in Hoffman Estates.
The $10 billion Compass Datacenters project replaces a long-vacant campus with a new tech-forward future.
Details:
Two of five planned data centers are going vertical, each spanning over 250,000 square feet.
The site also includes a new electrical substation and utility upgrades.
Compass uses carbon-reducing concrete tech like CarbonCure and ConcreteAI.
Demolition of the Sears campus recycled 95% of the material (nearly 400 million pounds).
The project will use water-free cooling and sustainable fuels like hydrogenated vegetable oil.
Each center will take 14–16 months to build, with full completion in 3–4 years.
Why it matters: Hoffman Estates is turning a massive, underused corporate site into a major driver of jobs, infrastructure investment, and long-term sustainability.
The shift could help attract more tech-focused development to the northwest suburbs and stabilize local revenue once generated by Sears.
Between the lines: Compass’ environmental approach is backed by construction techniques that reduce emissions and waste.
The company’s goal of 100-year campuses reflects a long-haul vision that could serve as a model for future redevelopments.
What’s next: Look for the remaining buildings to rise from west to east as Compass locks in tenants and completes each phase. Infrastructure improvements could also spill over to benefit surrounding areas.
🎉JOIN THE FUN ON INSTAGRAM 🎉
Find us on Instagram @LivingChicagoSuburbs where 90,000+ people love the content! ⤵️
🍔 The Foodie's Guide
BREAKFAST
The Baked Apple (Downers Grove)The Baked Apple is a family-owned spot serving homemade favorites in a relaxed setting. Known for baked apple pancakes, frittatas, crepes and fresh omelettes, they also offer burgers, paninis, shrimp tacos, big salads and daily homemade soups. |
LUNCH
Pa Lian (Wheaton)Pa Lian is a welcoming Burmese restaurant offering vegan, vegetarian and pescatarian dishes made with fresh ingredients. Known for its Tea Leaf Salad and Mohinga, it pairs flavorful cuisine with a sustainable, community-focused, Asian-owned dining experience. |
DINNER
Texas de Brazil (Schaumburg)Texas de Brazil began as a dream in southern Brazil and grew into a global churrasco experience. Blending gaucho tradition with Texas hospitality, it serves fire-roasted meats, fresh salads, and classic sides carved tableside for a festive, all-you-can-enjoy dining experience. |
Watch This
🎥 My Shocking Chicago Housing Market Predictions for 2026
📦 Moving to the Chicago Suburbs or thinking about buying or selling a home?
We’d love to help!
Just send us an email at [email protected] or fill out the form here!: https://livinginchicagosuburbs.com/contact/
Market
📊 Real Estate Insights
The real estate market in the Chicago suburbs (especially Naperville, Elmhurst, Wheaton, and Glen Ellyn) remains active and competitive. Whether you're planning to buy or sell, having the right local expert makes all the difference.
Thinking of selling? I’ll craft a strategic marketing plan and help you price your home to attract serious buyers and get the best return.
Ready to buy? With today’s interest rates and available inventory, now could be the perfect time to make your move. I’ll help you find the right home and navigate every step of the process with confidence.
🗞️ In Other News…
🏠 Are you thinking of buying, selling, or investing in the Chicago Suburbs? We’d love to be your Real Estate Resource of Choice. Get started here!
Until next Friday, take care and stay curious!
—Brandon
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 | Brandon Blankenship Real Estate Broker The #1 Solo Agent with Keller Williams Premiere Properties call or text @ 630.923.9535 |