7 Hot Chicago Co-working Spaces
Co-working hubs are everywhere, and specialty spaces to cater to any and all nontraditional workers are dotted around Chicago—and beyond. These spaces are on everyone’s lips, or offer something just a little different than the average shared office environments.
1. Blue1647
Size: It’s booming with one open and four planned locations in Chicago. Soon, you can really meet others at the upcoming space in St. Louis.
Ideal for: Those who want to change the world and nonprofits. Also, thanks to its learning lab, the space is great for students and those who want to learn workforce development skills. Founder Emile Cambry was recently honored for his mentorship at Rémy Martin "Circle of Centaurs."
What you get: Opps for professional development, events, monthly series connecting members with established voices, rental of conference rooms, community desk space, WiFi, coffee, and premium members can obtain a private office and exclusive event invites.
Pricing: Three simple tiers: $25 a month (special rate) for basic, $250 per month for the mid-level, and premium pricing caps out at $450.
2. 1871
Size: One very hot spot on the on the 12th floor of the historic Merchandise Mart, where it has been since its 2012 opening.
Ideal for: Digital designers, engineers and entrepreneurs—“disrupters” of any breed. Welcomes students and student startups.
What you get: Wireless, high-speed Internet, ethernet Internet, shared co-working area or a saved desk, locker space, access to conference rooms in shared co-working areas.
Pricing: $150 a month (nights and weekends), $300 a month for shared, and reserved space tops out at $450, if you want your own desk.
3. Catalyze
Size: One outlet at 650 W Lake St, on the edge of Greektown.
Ideal for: People who want to build: the only place providing access to tools for physical innovations including a lathe, sander, 3D printer, and sci-fi gear like an oscilloscope. The community includes engineers, designers, artists, programmers, marketers and business owners.
What you get: All members enjoy shop access—it’s cleared out daily—storage in the shop (basic), 24/7 access, storage options in the office and in the shop (depending on different levels of membership), plus a large workstation for “pro” members.
Pricing: Basic starts at $75 per month, with a variety of options, topping out at $350 a month for all the bells and whistles.
4. 25N
Size: One office, for now, but it’s taking the co-working concept to the ‘burbs: 25-N is located in Geneva, IL.
Ideal for: Out-of-city dwellers looking to eliminate the city commute, but who don’t work at “typical” office-based gigs.
What you get: WiFi, meeting space for up to 20, weekly events, locker space, open workspace and at higher pricing, personal desk space (and chair) or private office plus storage and round-table seating.
Pricing: Offering free trials, daily rates of $35. Monthly fees top out at $500 and a 10-visit pack is $355.
5. Coalition
Size: Two spaces in the Windy City: Coalition Impact and Coalition Energy, at 18 S Michigan Ave. It has four locations in NYC and one in Boston, presently.
Ideal for: Hard-working entrepreneurs who appreciate networking and collaboration. Coalition Energy welcomes those who are in the energy space and small businesses.
What you get: A business mailing address, meeting space, discounts on passes, private offices, a networking and collaborative community, kitchen space, a spot in classes and invite to events. Depending on pricing levels, of course.
Pricing: Coalition Energy currently has a waiting list, but day passes start at $30 and go up to $400/month. Coalition Impact starts at $20 for a day pass, topping out at $850 per month for a private office for one to three workers. Those with six to eight workers can spend $2k and up for their own space.
6. NextSpace
Size: The CA-founded org has one Chicago location, for now.
Ideal for: Freelancers, telecommuters, anyone working solo and wanting to be part of a “collaborative community.”
What you get: 24/7 access to workspace, Internet and utilities, physical mailing address, a workstation, conference rooms and business services.
Pricing: Ranges from $79 per month for basic to $1,750 for office and extended conference hour time.
7. The Logan Share
Size: A neighborhood co-working space in its near-eponymous Logan Square, catering to those who don’t want to go downtown, and do want to be around other similarly inclined workers.
Ideal for: Creatives unite: this is a “distraction-free” environment designed to foster creativity and collaboration with all tortured and perfectly content artists who desire to work around like minds. So musicians, architects, artists, writers, creative entrepreneurs, designers, etc.
What you get: Gorgeous space, for starters, with 45 feet of north-facing windows, 14-foot ceilings and 3,500 SF of open co-working space. Members can select pricing options to include personal desk space and chair, locker storage, unlimited printing and 24/7 access for all.
Pricing: Two options: Dedicated pricing is at $300 per month (better furniture and storage options) and Mobile Desk membership kicks things off at $200 per month.
