Bridget M. O’Keefe

Bridget M. O’Keefe is a partner with Daspin & Aument LLP whose clients have included real estate developers, national, regional and local corporations, preeminent cultural institutions, and major nonprofit organizations in cases involving zoning and land use, historic preservation and economic incentives.

Zoning & Economic Incentives: Ms. O’Keefe has significant experience obtaining a wide range of zoning approvals and economic incentives for mixed-use, commercial, industrial, office and institutional projects. Zoning approvals include planned development ordinances, rezonings, special use permits, variations and negotiation of development rights agreements. In addition, Ms. O’Keefe has facilitated public-private partnerships throughout the Chicagoland area by obtaining approval of economic incentives including tax increment financing, property tax adjustments, acquisition of government-owned properties and sales tax rebates. Representative clients have included:
• McDonald’s Corporation, a Fortune 500 Corporation
• Adecco North America, a Fortune 500 Corporation
• Ralphs Grocery Company, a division of the Kroger Corporation, a Fortune
500 Corporation

Historic Preservation: Ms. O’Keefe has extensive experience in the preservation of historic buildings that represent the best of Chicago’s past. Redevelopment of historic buildings preserves Chicago’s unique architectural heritage and allows enjoyment of these structures for generations to come. Ms. O’Keefe’s extensive experience includes working with local and state landmark officials to negotiate landmark designations, redevelopment plans and/or economic incentives to allow the renovation of some of Chicago’s most famous landmark buildings, which have included:
• The John G. Shedd Aquarium
• Unity Temple (875 Lake Street, Oak Park, IL)
• The One North State Building (1 North State Street)
• The Old Republic Building (307 North Michigan Avenue)

Mission-Driven Organizations: Ms. O’Keefe has helped many prominent nonprofit organizations promote their mission through the development of real estate. Ms. O’Keefe understands that nonprofits face different challenges than for-profit developers, and thus assists in maximizing development potential while respecting their mission and budget. Representative clients have included:
• Roosevelt University
• Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana
• Meadville Lombard Theological Seminary
• Neumann Family Services

Ms. O’Keefe has been designated an Illinois Super Lawyer in the areas of Land Use/Zoning and Government Relations and has been named in The Best Lawyers in America. She has been awarded an AV rating, the highest rating given by Martindale Hubbell for professional excellence.