Bradford Allen recruits highly motivated, intuitive, hard-working individuals and provides them with an entrepreneurial environment in which to thrive. Our dedicated team of professionals is the cornerstone of our success, comprising valuable experience from a spectrum of different practices. This panoramic perspective enables us to understand and execute alternative strategies that bring you a distinct advantage.
Jeffrey A. Bernstein and Laurence B. Elbaum founded Bradford Allen in 2003 with a vision of building a commercial real estate company rooted in entrepreneurial thinking, strong client relationships, and exceptional execution. Drawing on experience gained in New York's commercial real estate industry, they established the company in Chicago and began building what would become a fully integrated real estate platform.
Under their leadership, Bradford Allen has evolved from a brokerage firm into a national real estate company with capabilities spanning brokerage, property management, development, and investment management. Through strategic growth, disciplined investment, and a commitment to long-term value creation, they have expanded the firm's presence across multiple asset classes, including office, multifamily, hospitality, and mixed-use properties.
Today, Bernstein and Elbaum remain actively involved in the ownership, strategic direction, and investment activities of the firm. Their leadership has helped Bradford Allen navigate growing its platform, expanding its national footprint, and building lasting relationships with investors, tenants, partners, and communities. Their shared commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and value creation continues to shape the firm's growth and long-term success.
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Executive Vice President
Nick Plackek
Nicholas serves as executive vice president, development, at Bradford Allen, where he oversees development projects from acquisition through completion. He provides strategic leadership throughout the development process, including due diligence, planning, design, construction, and project delivery.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience as an owner’s representative and development adviser, he works closely with investors, consultants, contractors, and internal teams to execute complex developments that create long-term value.
Throughout his career, Nick has managed programs totaling more than $2 billion in capital value, delivering more than $75 million in documented cost savings across his portfolio. His experience includes landmark projects such as an $800 million sports and entertainment complex in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, LEGOLAND New York, a $350 million ground-up theme park, and international design review assignments.
Before joining Bradford Allen, Nick founded Epic Real Estate Consulting, where he provided owner’s representative and development advisory services across sports and entertainment, commercial, institutional, multifamily, and affordable housing projects.
Nick holds a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, with a concentration in real estate, strategy, and finance, and a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Head of Finance & Accounting
Sam Haddad
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Head of HR & Office Operations
Ellen Solner
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Department Head
Brian J. Dovalovsky
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Department Head
Bradford Allen Completes Lease Renewal and Restructure for Ex Libris in Des Plaines
CHICAGO, IL – Bradford Allen Realty Services is pleased to announce that the firm’s Senior Managing Directors Ben Azulay and Joel Berger have completed a lease renewal and restructure for 18,222 square feet on behalf of Ex Libris Group at 1350 E. Touhy Avenue in Des Plaines, Illinois.
1350 E. Touhy Avenue is a 244,049 square foot, office building located just north of the Allstate Arena, between I-90 and Mannheim Road. In 2009, the property’s developer, MR Properties LLC, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which set off a legal battle over the property between MR and the building’s owner at the time, Five Mile Capital Partners LLC, a Connecticut-based investment firm. Five Mile foreclosed on the property in December 2012 and in August 2014, 1350 East Touhy LLC purchased the property out of foreclosure. 1350 East Touhy LLC has since infused $3 million toward renovations and capital improvements at the property.
Ex Libris, a provider of library automation solutions, previously occupied space on the second floor of 1350 E. Touhy. As the firm neared the end of its current lease, Bradford Allen’s Azulay and Berger were selected to assist with site selection options and strategy. After reviewing multiple relocation options in the area, Ex Libris opted to stay at 1350 E. Touhy due to the recent renovations in the building. As a result, Azulay and Berger sourced a unique and strategic opportunity for the firm to restructure its current lease terms and relocate to another suite within the same property.
“When Ex Libris approached us, they had over two years remaining on their lease, but were not happy with the inefficiencies and dated finishes within their existing space,” said Azulay. “Knowing our client’s preference to remain at the Des Plaines location, Joel and I were able to restructure the rent for Ex Libris immediately to save them a considerable amount of money and move them into new, upgraded space in the building. It was a win-win for all parties.”
Azulay and Berger represented Ex Libris in the lease negotiations and Fred Ishler of Transwestern represented ownership.
About Bradford Allen Realty Services
Bradford Allen Realty Services, a Chicago-based commercial real estate firm, offers a full range of services and expertise to entrepreneurial and corporate business entities as well as not-for-profit organizations. The firm provides real estate strategy, advice, marketing, and transaction execution for occupiers, investors and owners of real estate.
Department Head
Cody Cunningham
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