Office development remains subdued across the U.S., but a handful of Midwestern markets are still adding new space. According to Yardi Matrix, developers completed 9.9 million square feet of office space nationwide through May 2026, with five Midwest metros accounting for nearly 1.2 million square feet—about 11.7% of all U.S. office deliveries.
Although construction activity remains well below pre-pandemic levels, office deliveries across these five markets more than doubled compared with the same period in 2025, rising from roughly 580,800 square feet to nearly 1.2 million square feet, according to Commercial Property Executive.
Chicago Leads the Midwest
Chicago delivered the most office space in the region, with 371,119 square feet across two projects completed through May. While that was nearly double last year’s total, it represented just 0.1% of the market’s overall office inventory because of Chicago’s size.
The city also maintains the Midwest’s largest active development pipeline, with six office projects totaling 1.3 million square feet under construction. Longer-term plans remain substantial, with four planned developments and dozens of prospective projects still on the books.
Omaha and Milwaukee See Strong Growth
Omaha ranked second after delivering a single 268,000-square-foot office building. The market recorded the highest level of new construction relative to its existing inventory, with deliveries equal to nearly 0.6% of total office stock. More than 1.1 million square feet remains under construction.
Milwaukee followed with 248,386 square feet delivered across two projects, including Milwaukee County’s new Forensic Science and Protective Medicine Facility. New supply represented about 0.4% of the city’s inventory, the second-highest share among the top five markets.
Columbus Returns, Indianapolis Slows
Columbus recorded 153,350 square feet of new office space after posting no completions during the same period last year. The market continues to expand cautiously, with two projects currently under construction.
Indianapolis rounded out the top five with 122,000 square feet delivered, down from 151,350 square feet a year earlier. The city still has four office projects under construction and several more planned.
Office Development Remains Limited
Despite stronger delivery activity in parts of the Midwest, office construction nationally remains restrained. Just 28.7 million square feet of office space under construction across the U.S.—roughly 0.4% of the country’s total office inventory—suggesting developers continue to take a cautious approach as demand gradually stabilizes.
Top Midwest Office Markets by Deliveries
- Chicago — 371,119 square feet
- Omaha — 268,000 square feet
- Milwaukee — 248,386 square feet
- Columbus — 153,350 square feet
- Indianapolis — 122,000 square feet
