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longtime tenant of a Loop office tower, Amata, is facing eviction after falling behind on rent by over $220,000. The court-appointed receiver, Xroads, has filed an eviction complaint against Amata, which occupies 40,000 square feet on the 16th and 17th floors of 161 North Clark Street. This comes as a result of increased operating expenses imposed by Xroads since it took control of the building following a $237 million foreclosure.

    Amata's founder, Ron Bockstahler, attributes the dispute to excessive increases in operating costs. Despite being a 19-year tenant, Amata has been struggling with its lease at the property, which was scheduled to run through 2034 with rental rates starting at $26 per square foot and increasing to $34 by the end of the term.

    Xroads' role at the property expanded recently as it announced a lender-led venture to invest in the building's turnaround. The new ownership group has positioned the building for success, signing 75,000 square feet of new leases in 2024 and making improvements such as a refreshed lobby and new coffee shop.

    Amata filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2021 citing over $1 million in total liabilities for leases at multiple properties. The bankruptcy case was closed in 2022, but it's unclear how Amata's struggles are impacting the overall performance of 161 North Clark Street.