Bridget M. O'Keefe

Partner

Primary Office:
Chicago, IL

Practice Area:
Real Estate Practice

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, senior housing and major not-for profit clients.   Zoning approvals include planned development ordinances, zoning amendments, 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 incentives, 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

Historic Preservation: Ms. O’Keefe has extensive experience in the preservation of historic buildings that represent the best of Chicago’s past. Ms. O’Keefe’s experience includes working with local and state landmark officials to negotiate landmark designations, Section 106 or 707 approvals, and/or economic incentives – such as the Class L Property Tax Incentive – to allow renovation of some of Chicago’s most famous landmark buildings, which have included:

Representative Buildings have included:

  • The John G. Shedd Aquarium and other major Chicago museums
  • The former Cook County Hospital (1835 W. Harrison)
  • 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
  • Misericordia Home
  • Haymarket Center
  • 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.

Education:
J.D. cum laude, Georgetown University

M.A., Catholic University of America

B.A., Saint Mary’s College

Admissions:

  • Illinois

Memberships:

The Economic Club of Chicago, Secretary/Executive Committee

Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, 2010 until present: Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors

Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of Chicago, Board of Advisors

The Chicago Bar Association

Chicago Housing Authority, Former Commissioner 2006-2009, former Chairman, Finance Committee

Leadership Greater Chicago