Happy Friday!

Brennan Investment Group is doubling down on Chicagoland. The Rosemont-based firm just added 11 industrial buildings across the suburbs—from Downers Grove to Waukegan—part of a 2 million-square-foot buying spree. It’s a strong signal that the demand for warehouse and logistics space is still going strong. 🏢

🌤️ Today’s weather:

Partly sunny with a high of -4°F. Just 5% chance of precipitation, 48% humidity, and winds at 11 mph. Cold, but bright: layer up if you’re heading out.

📺 Something Bizarre Is Happening in Chicago's Housing Market in 2026: In today’s video, I break down what’s behind the latest shake-ups—and what it means if you’re buying, selling, or just watching from the sidelines.

🍴 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…

2026 Naperville Restaurant Week

Starting January 23 and running through February 8, Naperville Restaurant Week highlights a wide range of local restaurants, from fast casual spots to fine dining. Participating venues will offer either prix fixe menus at special prices or discounts on select menu items. Restaurant lists, menus, and specials are updated regularly, so it’s worth checking back often.
📍 Location: Naperville (multiple participating restaurants)
🗓️ Date & Time: Jan 23 – Feb 8
🎟️ Tickets: Pricing varies by restaurant
🔗 More Info

Faculty Recital Series: An Evening of Jazz featuring Abigail Richards

Enjoy an evening of jazz with nationally recognized Chicago vocalist Abigail Richards, joined by an outstanding North Central College faculty ensemble. Richards has performed at iconic venues like Birdland and the Jazz Standard and is a former semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition.
📍 Location: Madden Theatre, North Central College, Naperville
🗓️ Date & Time: Jan 23 | 7:30 PM
🎟️ Tickets: $15
🔗 More Info

Free Yoga Day at Fox Valley Mall

Celebrate International Day of Yoga with a free, community-focused session centered on movement, mindfulness, and wellness. Hosted by the Indian American Community Outreach Advisory Board in association with the Isha Foundation and the City of Aurora. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and towel and arrive with an empty or light stomach.
📍 Location: Center Park, Fox Valley Mall, Aurora
🗓️ Date & Time: Jan 25 | 10 AM – 11 AM
🎟️ Tickets: Free
🔗 More Info

SEE MORE EVENTS THIS WEEKEND→

Nothing in this section is sponsored, I will let you know when it's sponsored

News

🏢 Brennan Investment Group Scoops up 11 Buildings Across Chicagoland

Driving the news: Rosemont-based Brennan Investment Group has added 11 suburban buildings to its Chicago-area footprint as part of a larger 2 million-square-foot buying spree in 2023.

Details:

• The 13-building portfolio includes 11 shallow-bay industrial assets in suburbs like Downers Grove, Mundelein, Romeoville, Batavia, Woodridge, Gurnee, and Waukegan.

• Two additional buildings are located in the Milwaukee area.

• The portfolio spans 802,000 square feet and closed on Dec. 18. The seller was not disclosed.

• With this deal, Brennan’s Midwest holdings climb to 28 million square feet, part of a 65 million square foot national footprint.

Why it matters: These kinds of investments bring long-term stability, job opportunities, and tax revenue to suburban areas. For Chicagoland, it also reflects continued demand for well-located industrial space (despite economic uncertainty).

The big picture: Brennan is betting big on infill submarkets and shallow-bay industrial buildings—smaller warehouses that cater to last-mile delivery, regional logistics, and light manufacturing.

Flexibility is key: Brennan’s team says their strategy shifts based on what each market needs.

What’s next: Expect more shallow-bay acquisitions in 2026 as Brennan targets high-demand pockets in the Midwest.

The bottom line: Brennan’s latest buy is a sign that Chicagoland’s industrial market still has plenty of room to grow.

 🎉JOIN THE FUN ON INSTAGRAM 🎉

Find us on Instagram @LivingChicagoSuburbs where 90,000+ people love the content! ⤵️

🍔 The Foodie's Guide

BREAKFAST

LUNCH

DINNER

Watch This

🎥 Something Bizarre Is Happening in Chicago's Housing Market in 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…

Until next Friday, take care and stay curious! 
—Brandon

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