Demand is outpacing supply in Chicago and clients want product faster. How developers are making that happen is one of the topics we’ll address at Bisnow’s You’re Going to Build What? 3rd Annual Construction & Development event on Aug. 18 at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, starting at 7am. Today's list offers a preview from some of our panelists.

1. Pick the Best Site

McShane Cos CEO Jim McShane says it’s important to select a tract based on demand, but it can be even more important to know the areas most open to development. A deal can be damaged if the zoning process stalls or if an alderman is lukewarm to your project. Jim adds that you may need to make compromises because of factors such as a shortage of land or what an alderman believes may be compatible in a specific area.

2. Get the Base Building Work Out of the Way First

R2 Cos managing principal Matt Garrison says tenants want open, modern office spaces but are unsure of design. Matt says R2 pulls permits and starts the base building work so when tenants have a design ready to go, the spaces are completed faster. This gives R2 timing and pricing advantages over ground-up developers.

3. Go High-Tech and Pre-Fab

Pepper Construction CEO Ken Egidi says virtual construction methods such as 3D modeling expedite construction and lower costs. Pepper pre-fabbed all the formwork for Wrigley Field’s recent Budweiser bleacher expansion, Phase 1 of the Cubs' Wrigley renovations. Laser scanning is helpful in renovation and retrofit work, as well as new construction. Pepper teams used handheld laser scanners in the renovations of Palos Community Hospital and tripod-based scanners for new construction of Northwestern's Tech Infill project. To learn more, please join us at Bisnow’s You’re Going to Build What? 3rd Annual Construction & Development Panel, Aug. 18, at the Trump International Hotel & Tower, starting at 7am. Register here!