In 2001, Zeller acquired 401 North Michigan, a 737,000 RSF Class-A tower on the Chicago River. At acquisition, the surrounding area lacked identity, and the building was underutilized. Over 16 years, Zeller repositioned 401 into a premier downtown address through bold vision, strategic renovations, and dynamic tenant engagement.

Zeller enhanced the office environment by redeveloping the 19th floor into a 5,926 SF premier tenant conference center and lounge featuring a boardroom, a training room with kitchen, and a small meeting room. Each conference room has been enhanced with upgraded audio/visual capabilities and can be tailored to meet the requirements of every meeting. The lounge provides a place for tenants to step away from their office and enjoy lunch or simply relax and soak in the sweeping views of Michigan Avenue and the river. Tenants may book the lounge for private company events. The firm activated Pioneer Court—Chicago’s largest public/private plaza—by hosting immersive activations for many well-known brands and high-profile events including the highly anticipated, The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. A previously unused river dock was leased to Shoreline Sightseeing, generating a long-term revenue stream and boosting public engagement.

In response to pedestrian growth and market demand, Zeller led the redevelopment of an outdated food court into a new lower-level office amenity center and partnered with Apple to deliver a flagship two-story riverfront store. This ambitious reconfiguration included major building upgrades: a new, fully equipped fitness center with staff offering group fitness classes, enhanced valet service and self-park, expanded bike storage, new vertical transportation, reimagined common areas, and an enhanced food service destination featuring rotating breakfast/lunch options. The kitchen also offers a variety of catering options for tenants that can be conveniently delivered and set-up right in their suite.