Real Estate Development & Investment

Global Quantum Forum in the Windy City

Chicago's Quantum Shore is transforming the former U.S. Steel South Works into a global quantum hub, with Clayco and LJC helping bring this visionary project to life.

Construction progress at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park on the former South Works site in Chicago, with Lake Michigan and the city skyline visible in the background.

The Future Is Taking Shape on the South Side

The Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park is transforming a historic South Side steel mill into a global center for quantum computing, innovation, and economic growth.

Selfie of a group of 4 people in front of Target and Costco at the Market on Olive in St. Louis

WILD Development Story of Market at Olive

A behind-the-scenes look at how Market at Olive overcame COVID, financing setbacks, environmental challenges, and years of uncertainty to become one of the most transformative retail developments in the St. Louis region.

Steve Schnur, football, northwestern, inspiration

Inspiration of the Month: Steve Schnur

A look at how Steve Schnur’s journey from college football to COO of CRG shapes a disciplined, execution focused approach to leadership, development, and delivering results in changing markets.

Aerial view of a vibrant suburban town center featuring a public plaza with a fountain, food trucks, and a large community gathering, surrounded by historic brick buildings, tree-lined streets, and nearby commercial development.

The Anatomy of a Thriving Suburb

Designing Thriving Suburbs: How Jobs, Schools, Housing, and Infrastructure Drive Sustainable Growth Across U.S. Communities

I'm a Waymonaut

Waymo’s autonomous vehicles are proving that self driving technology is no longer theoretical. After experiencing a real ride, it’s clear the system safely navigates complex city traffic and could transform transportation, urban design, and the future of car ownership.

Powering the Future of American Manufacturing — Hadrian Comes to Mesa

At Clayco, we believe in building for what’s next — and there’s no better example of that than our latest announcement at The Cubes at Mesa Gateway in Mesa, Arizona. Hadrian, a cutting-edge advanced manufacturing company, is bringing its third factory — Factory 3 — to life inside a 269,500-square-foot facility developed by CRG, Clayco’s real estate development arm.. This project represents a $200 million investment and will create 350 high-skill manufacturing jobs in the Southeast Valley. Even more impressive: Hadrian plans to be fully operational by January 2026 — just six months from now.

Chicago’s Quantum Moment: Building a Global Hub at the South Side

Chicago is staking its claim as a global leader in quantum innovation—and last week’s Global Quantum Forum (July 23–24, 2025) was proof of that momentum.

Not Just Talking Shop: Real Conversations with ULI Chicago

I had a terrific chat with the CEO of The McShane Companies, Molly McShane, at an event for the Urban Land Institute of Chicago (ULI).

Clayco wins “Deal of the Year” for Jewelers Building Acquisition!

Our purchase of the famous Jewelers Building in Chicago has been named “Deal of the Year” in the Capital Markets category—a milestone that reflects the dedication, collaboration, and strategic vision of many.

Market at Olive Welcomes Dierbergs to Its World-Class Lineup

Market at Olive is becoming the poster child for economic development in University City

In Memory of Edward “Tee” Turner Baur

It is with a heavy heart that I would like to pay my respects to Edward “Tee” Turner Baur's life and legacy. Tee was a very successful real estate expert who gave me great encouragement and advice over the years. We both shared the same hometown of St. Louis and a love for outdoor athletics and hiking.

PsiQuantum Chicago Campus is Building the Future of Tech

PsiQuantum, Quantum Campus on the former USX site on the South Side of Chicago. This project is a tremendous milestone in ensuring the city’s future as a global hub for Quantum Computing, and our Clayco team will deliver the facility at scale and high speed.

Market at Olive Retail Project Welcomes Target as Newest Anchor Store

Exciting news from University City! Market at Olive will have the largest Target in the St. Louis area as its second and newest anchor store.

A New Era for Chicago: The Rise of the Quantum Computing Hub

Clayco is part of a team redeveloping a 400+ acre site that was once the country’s leading steel producer into a future-forward project that will establish the city as a global quantum computing hub. The Quantum Campus at 8080 South Lakeshore is set to lead the nation in quantum research.

Enhancing Campus & Community Living with The Dean

The Dean is a 426,464-square-foot student housing high-rise development in Reno that features state-of-the-art amenities. Residents will find that the 12 stories of the building have something to offer for everyone, including a fitness center, game and club lounge, BBQ grills, fire pits, both group and individual study lounge spaces, as well as a rooftop terrace with a pool and incredible views of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountains.

Redefining Student Living with The Standard at Columbia

Our Clayco, CRG, and Lamar Johnson Collaborative teams used our integrated approach to build The Standard at Columbia.

Crain’s Chicago Real Estate Breakfast with Ciere Boatright

I’m always proud to see extended members of our Clayco family continue to succeed in their career paths! Ciere Boatright, a Chicago native and a nationally recognized real estate professional with over a decade of experience, has been appointed as Chicago's Commissioner of Planning and Development by Mayor Brandon Johnson.

Building 220 N. Ada in Fulton Market

Another pivotal collaboration in the books! In partnership with Shapack Partners, our Clayco team looks forward to working with CRG, Ventana, SOM as the architect-of-record, and Bill Williams, founder and principal of KMW Communities, on the residential project at 220 N. Ada in Chicago. We are channeling our integrated approach into creating the 29-story, mixed-use tower, which will offer 308 apartments (with 62 affordable units) and 12,000+ square feet of ground-floor retail. This collaboration with affordable housing developer Bill Williams is also an extension of CRG’s PILLAR program and our overall goals to address the lack of diversity in the real estate community.

In Memory of John "Dale" Perkinson

I think of the unlikely and extraordinary success we have had in both the Clark family and at Clayco in a series of notable moments. Seminal moments. Starting Clayco in 1984 with basically no experience and no capital, with only a pickup truck and willpower, we began doing simple interior finish projects: carpet, painting, drywall, and doors. That led to an account at Mercantile Bank doing the same work. A lucky break came in meeting the bank’s VP of facilities, John Ward, and eventually the bank’s chairman, Don Lasater. I got an even bigger break building multiple banks for Mercantile when I was partnered with a well-known, local St. Louis architect, Robert (Bob) Boland.

Discussing Innovation at Mexico GRI Real Estate 2023

There's nothing like connecting with remarkable individuals and minds from across the globe – which made the Mexico GRI Real Estate 2023 conference a premier destination last week! The event provided a dynamic platform for real estate and infrastructure executives to exchange innovative strategies and solutions. I loved my trip to Mexico City and enjoyed witnessing the nation's journey toward a promising future with many positive signs, including a strong peso, growing population, and entrepreneurial spirit. The country is also ready to receive global manufacturers to provide nearshore supplying to the USA in the next decade.

Welcoming Susan Bergdoll to CRG

As Clayco's partner company, CRG, continues to expand its national presence, it requires more creative minds and innovators to do so. In light of this, please welcome the latest addition to CRG’s leadership team, Susan Bergdoll, as Senior Vice President and Partner for the Midwest industrial region! We are thrilled to have her expertise in navigating complex land acquisitions, lease negotiations, and municipal processes in our organization. Susan brings transformative knowledge to the firm with 25+ years of experience in commercial real estate and striking deals with Fortune 100 and 500 brands. Before joining CRG, she managed Duke Realty's nearly 40-million-square-foot Midwest industrial portfolio, valued at over $1.7 billion. Susan’s impressive background will be an advantage as she aids in developing CRG’s speculative and build-to-suit warehouses for e-commerce, Fortune 500, and other clients.

Mexico GRI Real Estate 2023 Conference

The centerpiece for advancement is sharing wisdom, experiences, and perspectives to foster the greatest innovations possible. To do this, we must build connections through communities and industries – like attending the upcoming Mexico GRI Real Estate 2023 event! In Mexico City, from August 30th to 31st, GRI Club is working to build valuable relationships between the most prominent leaders in the real estate sector. This conference brings together hundreds of real estate and infrastructure executives to discuss evolutionary strategies and find solutions for a sustainable future.

South Pier at Tempe Town Lake

We are breathing new life into the American Southwest! Clayco was awarded a 1.3 million square foot mixed-use project in Tempe, Arizona, for McBride-Cohen Management. South Pier at Tempe Town Lake will include three towers with over 700 units, retail, and more, helping transform the Phoenix Valley.

CRG Appoints New Executive Leadership

In recognition of the amazing growth and success at CRG, dynamic changes to its leadership team were announced this week that will propel the firm forward as it expands nationwide. Shawn Clark will assume the role of CRG’s CEO, and Chris McKee, the previous Chief Development Officer, has been appointed president. Shawn and Chris will work closely with COO Steve Schnur to foster a collaborative and innovative environment that delivers exceptional assets for clients and investors.

Constructing X Phoenix Phase I and II

Clayco completed X Phoenix’s Phase I – a 20-story apartment, retail, and office high-rise in Phoenix, Arizona. The 731,321-square-foot structure is part of a two-phase project designed to appeal to young professionals living and working downtown. It’s located within walking distance of Arizona State University, public transportation, and various restaurants, bars, and businesses. The X Phoenix Phase I

Latin America GRI Real Estate 2023

Innovation can always be generated by a good old-fashioned “meeting of the minds,” especially when those minds are as diverse as they are sharp – and are intensely focused on business. More than 300 senior and C-level executives, as well as leaders in development, financing, and beyond, are joining the Latin America GRI Real Estate 2023 event on May 11th and 12th in New York!

Welcoming Steve Schnur to CRG

Our Clayco partner company CRG just announced the latest addition to its leadership team – Steve Schnur as Chief Operating Officer! Steve’s onboarding comes less than a year after CRG raised $450 million to invest in industrial development projects to help accommodate the booming demand for warehouse space nationwide. He worked for Duke Realty for 20 years and worked through the ranks to become Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. With his expertise, he oversaw 19 regional offices with up to $2 billion in development starts annually. He also was responsible for the firm’s 160 million square foot portfolio, which will undoubtedly position him to help innovate CRG’s integrated platform.

St. Charles Riverpointe

If there is one strength that our team at Clayco has, it is knowing how to transform and optimize spaces for communities. Clayco and CRG have started construction on the first phases of Riverpointe, a $350 million development in St. Charles, Missouri that has been more than a decade in the making. The project aims to reverse 200 years of overlooking the incredible potential the local riverfront has. Over the next five years, our teams will restore 120 acres along the Missouri River to build on the success of the neighboring 27-acre mixed-use development. With a 30-acre riverside lake, the new waterfront will stretch between the Ameristar Casino and the Family Arena and be lined with office buildings, 500 apartments, 150 hotel units, 100,000 square feet of riverfront restaurants and retail, and more.

University City Costco has Fantastic Response after Opening

The newest Costco in University City, Missouri, has had a fantastic response since its recent opening! The facility anchors the larger Market at Olive redevelopment at Interstate 170 Olive Boulevard that Clayco is constructing with Larry Chapman, CEO of Seneca Commercial Real Estate. The aim is to transform the area into a commercial hotspot with almost 50 acres of retail space, restaurants, apartments, offices, a hotel, and more. Costco was the first retailer to open in the U City structure, which will add increasing value to the region as more businesses prepare for their grand opening.

CRG Grows Acquisitions and Development Team

CRG (Clayco Real Estate) hired the leadership team that helped build Duke Realty’s industrial portfolio across America. CRG added the new team members after the firm was acquired by Prologis, the world’s largest industrial landlord, for $23 billion. CRG is already filled with strategic and ambitious individuals, which is how they quickly identified the value in this acquisition and chose a top-tier team that shares the same values. Welcome to the CRG team – Mark Crawford, Joe Hawkins, and Isaac Lau! Crawford joins CRG as chief investment officer, Hawkins will serve as a senior vice president of portfolio management, and Lau’s new role will be vice president of acquisitions in the western region. This collaboration aims to build on CRG’s success in developing over $1 billion of new industrial projects annually.

Joining The Junto Group

Telosa is a new model city that has been inspired by entrepreneur and investor Marc Lore’s vision of creating a higher quality of life, greater opportunity, and a better society for its citizens. It’s a project that I’m really excited about, and that’s why I’m humbled to announce that I am part of The Junto Group, which is made up of urban planners, designers, historians, community engagement experts, economists, financial managers, scientists, and engineers from different backgrounds. I am honored to be part of a team of five advisors on this groundbreaking project, including Bjarke Ingels, founder of Bjarke Ingels Group, one of the world’s most highly regarded architecture firms; Netta Jenkins, a leading voice on diversity, equity, and inclusion and an acclaimed author; Preet Bharara, a lawyer, author, podcaster and former US attorney; and Peter Diamandis, a futurist, author, entrepreneur and executive founder of Singularity University.

The Dean

Clayco continues to develop innovative projects for students across America, including The Dean student housing facility in Reno, Nevada! This 12-story and 426,464 square-foot high-rise building will feature 773 beds, incredible amenities, and even a rooftop podium pool across the street from the fast-growing University of Nevada. The property will be fully furnished and have catered spaces for students to study, play, and live – all with a beautiful view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada mountain range. The CRG Residential team scouted this project at the end of September 2020 and secured the opportunity within just 90 days of the first phone call. This is a testament to the hard work and diligence of our Clayco and CRG teams and the great subcontractors and collaborators who help make our developments top tier.

ABCO Electrical Construction & Design, LLC

It was great to collaborate with ABCO Electrical Construction & Design LLC as a subcontractor for Clayco. The company has serviced the Chicagoland area for more than 15 years and provides full-service electrical contracting from design and engineering to the complete installation of electrical systems. They specialize in various residential, commercial, and industrial projects and partnered with Clayco on our Central Steel & Wire and The Cubes at Country Club Hills projects. Central Steel & Wire is an 894,300-square-foot industrial warehouse and distribution center in University Park, Illinois. It includes 38,000 square feet of total office space and the warehouse consists of 100 ft x 30 ft internal column bases and twenty 20-ton bridge cranes. Clayco worked as the design-builder for the center and has constructed over a half-dozen facilities in the University Park area overall.

The Southwest’s Fastest Growing Market

The Southwest region of the United States is seeing an increase in business and has established itself as an area of incredible potential for investment. To date, Clayco has over $1.2 billion in active construction projects awarded in the Phoenix market, which is approximately 11 million square feet of primarily industrial and multi-family residential projects.

170 N. Green Street - Fulton Market Acquisition

Clayco’s development arm, CRG, and Shapack Partners recently acquired the former Bridgford Foods site in Fulton Market. I am excited to see how this partnership will redevelop the property into one of Chicago’s most iconic projects – featuring 350,000 square feet of office, 250 apartment units, 150 hotel rooms, and 40,000 square feet of retail. Clayco, CRG, and Shapack Partners collaborated with stakeholders, Alderman Walter Burnett, and the Chicago Department of Planning and Development to make this vision a reality. Construction could begin as early as fall 2022.

CRG Raises $450 Million for National Projects

CRG, Clayco’s development arm, officially raised $450 million as part of its U.S. Logistics Fund II. This will help build even more projects within the industrial sector. It’s exciting on many fronts, and I couldn’t be more proud of my son Shawn for leading this initiative and exceeding the initial goal.

Willis Tower Transformation

One of the reasons I love Chicago so much is its magnificent architecture. There are few buildings as iconic as the revamped Willis (formerly Sears) Tower. When it was completed in 1974, it was the world’s tallest building – standing at 1,450 feet and 110 stories. Willis Tower remains the highest point against the beautiful Chicago skyline. The one problem with the spectacular modernist tower was its disconnectedness from the city. In 2015, EQ Office, a realty company owned by Blackstone, bought the property. The company hired Gensler, the largest architecture firm in the world, in collaboration with SKB Architects and OLIN, to inject new life into the tower and weave it into the urban fabric.

U.S. Logistics Fund II

CRG, Clayco’s development arm, recently launched its second U.S. Logistics Fund to help build even more projects within the industrial sector. It’s exciting on many fronts, and it has raised over $100 million already with goals to raise $300 million more.

Wildhorse Village

In Chesterfield, Missouri, not too far from where I grew up, we’re currently hard at work on a massive multi-use development that’s going to be a complete transformation for the area. Serving as a brand-new urban center for the suburb, Wildhorse Village is going to offer 1 million square feet of office space, 150 for-sale residences, 500 apartments, and 100,000 square feet of retail space that spans across 80 acres of land. We’re delivering on this outstanding project through Clayco’s integrated services that leverage both CRG and Lamar Johnson Collaborative. Once completed, Wildhorse Village will include scenic lakefront locations for working, living, and playing and will include some amazing amenities like boardwalks, parks, an amphitheater, and a boathouse.

Centene Centre - Clayton, Missouri

My relationship with Centene dates back to 2008 when Clayco won its first project with the company to build a 21-story office tower, complete with a beautifully-designed public plaza and a 1,700-space parking garage. Working with Mr. Neidorff at Centene has been one of my greatest experiences. This first project was completed in 2010 and brought new life to Clayton, Missouri. Before the construction of Centene’s headquarters, the area was suffering from the financial collapse brought on by the economic recession. Clayco managed to develop a strategic financing plan, resulting in the entire facility being nearly fully leased in less than 15 months. The entire district was elevated as businesses quickly moved in and more people were present and supporting the businesses in the area. After this first success, of which we are very proud, Clayco was awarded the $770 million project of expanding Centene’s headquarters, providing a new structure that is adjacent to the current Centene Plaza. This expansion is also expected to create 2,000 new jobs for the state of Missouri, which is particularly important in these times.

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