The Blackstone Group is looking to Hollywood in its redevelopment of Willis Tower. Blackstone subsidiary Equity Office hired Paul Kurzawa, an executive with Dreamworks Animation, to oversee the firm's plans for Chicago's tallest building.
It looks like a left-field choice at first glance, but Kurzawa headed Dreamworks' global retail brand development and integration. His resume includes stops at Westfield Group, JLL, Lend Lease and Caruso Affiliated, according to Crain's.
Kurzawa will have his work cut out for him. Blackstone Group says it will take years to add improvements throughout Willis Tower, which it paid a record $1.3B for last year, and is leaving no stone unturned in the building. Blackstone previously hired The Telos Group to handle office leasing at Willis. [Crain's]
