Rare urban industrial opportunity for Chicago’s East Pilsen

New Podmajersky construction project addresses growing demand for modern small-bay industrial space near downtown Chicago

Chicago, IL – Global commercial real estate advisor, Avison Young has been retained by Chicago developer Podmajersky, Inc., led by John Podmajersky III to market a rare new-construction industrial development at 2100 S. Canalport Ave. in East Pilsen. The project is designed to meet growing demand for modern small-bay industrial space in one of Chicago's most supply-constrained urban submarkets.

Known for its focus on creative reuse, urban infill development and neighborhood-sensitive design, Podmajersky, Inc. has long championed investments that preserve East Pilsen's character while creating opportunities for businesses and residents. The Canalport project continues that philosophy by delivering new industrial space tailored to the needs of today's users while reinforcing the neighborhood's role as an important employment center.

The speculative 12,000-square-foot (sf) facility will provide modern space for urban manufacturing, logistics, showroom and creative industrial users. It includes 24-foot clear heights, dock and drive-in loading, flexible power capacity and Enterprise Zone incentives. The project is scheduled for delivery in 2027.

Situated 600 feet from the I-90/I-55 interchange and approximately 2.5 miles from downtown Chicago, the development offers a unique opportunity for businesses seeking modern industrial space with immediate access to the city's workforce, transportation infrastructure and customer base. The project is expected to appeal to light manufacturers, food producers, contractors, logistics operators, technology startups and last-mile distribution users that increasingly prefer infill locations over suburban alternatives.

"Opportunities to develop new industrial product this close to downtown Chicago are exceptionally limited," said Steven Kohn, SIOR, Principal with Avison Young. "This project fills a significant gap in the market by delivering modern, highly functional industrial space in a location where occupier demand remains strong and available inventory is scarce."

The project reflects the continued evolution of East Pilsen as a destination for creative businesses, manufacturers, makers and entrepreneurs seeking centrally located space near downtown Chicago. A notable competitive advantage for 2100 S Canalport which is located in South Chicago’s submarket is the lack of Class A industrial buildings between 10,000 and 20,000 square feet within a five-mile radius of the property, where there are currently zero availabilities according to Avison Young’s Q2 2026 Chicago Industrial report.

Developed by Podmajersky, Inc., the project builds on more than a century of the family's investment in East Pilsen. Founded in 1987 by John Podmajersky III, the company has renovated, managed and leased more than 300,000 square feet throughout the neighborhood, creating a portfolio that includes creative industrial, loft office, retail, art and residential properties including the former Foxtrot commissary which was leased to sushi provider, Bento Inc.

"East Pilsen is uniquely positioned to support the next generation of creative industrial companies and we're excited to bring our creative approach to a broader range of industrial users," said John Podmajersky, III President of Podmajersky, Inc. " This project builds on decades of investment in the neighborhood and creates new opportunities for businesses that want to be close to downtown, a talented work force, and transportation."

Beyond serving tenant demand, the development is expected to support job creation and business expansion by providing a product type that remains difficult to find within city limits: modern, small-scale industrial space with immediate access to downtown Chicago and the region's transportation network.