About Us
J. Emil Anderson & Son (JEA) is a family-owned and managed business. Unlike many entrepreneurial companies begun in the early years of the last century, the founding family is still actively involved in day-to-day management and operations. Led today by the dedicated father-son team of James H. Anderson, Sr. and James H. Anderson, Jr., JEA is a prominent part of Chicagoland’s commercial and industrial real estate market.
The Company’s namesake, J. Emil Anderson, emigrated to Chicago in the early 20th century and brought with him a commitment to hard work, craftsmanship, integrity and, like many self-made men of his generation, an ambition to create something bigger than himself. A celebrated carpentry contractor, J. Emil Anderson brought his son, A. Harold, on board in the 1930s. A. Harold’s vision for the company led to its emergence as a leader in the commercial and industrial development of Chicago and its suburbs.
Under A. Harold Anderson’s leadership, JEA quickly expanded to become one of Chicagoland’s most respected and active developers and builders of commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings. JEA set itself apart with its “build-to-suit” services in which undeveloped land is transformed into carefully crafted industrial parks. JEA handles every element of design–from exterior to interior elements–and construction, all with the tenant’s or buyer’s needs in mind.
One of JEA’s most recognized successes is the development of the Woodfield area northwest of Chicago in Schaumburg, Illinois. JEA was responsible for developing the area around Woodfield Mall, one of the largest in the nation, into Anderson’s Woodfield Park, a planned commercial development consisting of office buildings and retail properties.
JEA’s mission is guided by two principal tenets:
(1) A dedication to only the highest of ethics in all facets of business; and
(2) A dedication to excellence in handling the real estate needs of its loyal roster of tenants with whom the Andersons have proudly partnered over the years.
Among tenants served are these industry leaders:
