Alexandra R. Alex Cole

Construction Law

4.0 (1 reviews)

Chicago, Illinois

46+ years experience

Perkins Coie LLP

Updated: Jan 03, 2026

Contact Information

312-324-8400

https://www.perkinscoie.com/en/professionals/alexandra-cole.html

110 North Wacker Drive, 34th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606

Create an account to contact this attorney

Bio

Alex Cole focuses her real estate practice in the areas of real estate transactions and development, hospitality, international real estate, project finance and construction law. She is routinely involved in large real estate acquisitions (hotel, office and retail) and represents all the various parties in the construction and development process. Some of Alex's past projects include: Park Hyatt Australia, purchase and disposition of The Carlyle in transaction including sale of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts and four other hotels, Fairmont Hotel and Canadian Pacific Hotel merger, numerous buildings in Illinois Center, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, The Harold Washington Library, California Plaza in Los Angeles, McCormick Place Expansion and Hotel, Underwater World at Pier 39, Warsaw Financial Center, and the construction and renovation of numerous plants, industrial complexes, hotels, shopping centers and other commercial projects in the United States and Europe.

Practice Areas

Construction Law

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Chicago (2021)
Lawyer of the Year: Construction Law, Chicago (2018)
Recognized: Construction Law
Recognized: Real Estate Law
Practice Area: Leisure and Hospitality Law
Special Focus: Architects and Engineers
Special Focus: Commercial Development
Special Focus: Contract Review and Negotiation
Special Focus: Contractors
Special Focus: Design
Special Focus: International
Special Focus: Real Estate
Received "Women in Real Estate 2010 Career Achievement Award," presented by the Illinois Real Estate Journal
Peer Review Rated AV in Martindale-Hubbell
Listed as an Illinois Super Lawyer as published by Law & Politics, 2005 - present
Listed in the Law Bulletin Publishing Company's Leading Lawyers Network as Illinois Leading Lawyer
Ranked by Chambers USA, as “America's Leading Lawyers,” in Construction, 2005 - present; Real Estate, 2013 - present; Leisure & Hospitality, 2013 - present
American College of Real Estate Lawyers, Member

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006

Education

University of Chicago, J.D., graduated 1979
DePauw University, BA

Get Directions on Google Maps

Reviews

David White

2 weeks ago

Exceptional guidance on a complex hotel acquisition

Our company recently engaged Alexandra Cole at Perkins Coie for the acquisition and redevelopment of a boutique hotel property in Chicago. The transaction involved intricate zoning issues and a tight construction timeline. Alex’s deep expertise, particularly in the intersection of real estate development and construction law, was immediately apparent. She didn’t just review contracts; she provided strategic foresight, anticipating potential delays with subcontractor agreements and navigating complex local ordinances with a confidence that only comes from 46 years of practice. Her recognition as a 'Lawyer of the Year' in Construction Law was well-earned and evident in her approach. She was a steady, knowledgeable presence throughout a stressful process. The one area where we experienced minor delays was in receiving draft documents for review; her team is clearly busy, so planning for a slightly longer lead time is advisable. That said, the quality of the final work product was impeccable. For anyone undertaking a significant real estate development or construction project in Chicago, Alex Cole is an outstanding choice. Her blend of transactional skill and practical construction knowledge is rare and invaluable.