Industrious, our forthcoming co-working space in River North, is a cross between a private office and a community coffee shop. It’s peaceful privacy meets stimulating productivity—a “hive office.” Slated to open this summer, the 17,000-square-foot urban loft space has been receiving a lot of attention from the startup community and local press.
Here’s what they’re saying so far:
Modern design + hive office
“If co-working and executive office suites do not solve what you need, then maybe try a “hive” office. A key component to a “hive” environment is a balance between privacy and community. Whether you are in the start-up mode, trying to raise money, or a budding company that thrives on the inspiration that a community of entrepreneurs brings, then a hive environment might be just the thing. You might think, why not just rent or lease a typical office? You could, but many times those can be expensive, with long lease terms, and often without the community aspect available to you. Who knows? In a hive environment, that lawyer you need might be your neighbor down the hall. You might collaborate with a web designer and find that you can help each other out.”
Investors to open ‘hive’ offices in River North
“The layout will be a hybrid of Luxembourg-based Regus PLC, which provides short-term space in more traditional office buildings, and Chicago startup hub 1871, which uses a wide-open loft setting in the Merchandise Mart.
“Industrious will cater to companies seeking a bustling, creative work environment as well as privacy when needed… River North has become a destination for young technology firms, anchored by the Merchandise Mart, which houses 1871 and soon will be home to Mountain View, Calif.-based Google Inc.’s Motorola Mobility unit, which plans to move there this year.”
Seeking industrious companies
“Some small but growing companies might feel like Goldilocks when looking for a home: Typical co-working spaces don’t offer enough privacy, but traditional offices are too isolating, expensive or inflexible in their lease terms.
For those companies, Industrious wants to be just right.”
Industrious, New Office & Coworking Space In Chicago, Puts Design First
“Glass walls give you that fortress, without the dark and confining feel of drywall, says Darah. It’s somewhere between corporate offices like Regus and coworking spaces like 1871.
“A big chunk of Industrious residents will be startups, as well as law firms, investors, and designers. There will also be classes and events in the space.
“Right now, Industrious is a blank canvas, but construction in the next few months will change that. Darah tell us to picture hardwood floors, black-and-white decor with pops of color, hanging lightbulbs for an “industrial feel,” and art by local artists.”
Industrious to open July 2013 in River North as next stage shared office space
“Industrious is in one of River North’s most beautiful loft spaces, with high ceilings and exposed brick walls. Composed of brightly lit, glass-walled private offices and productive conference rooms and common areas, Industrious will offer members all the comforts of a modern office in an engaging, energizing community atmosphere. The space will cater to small businesses and firms of all types, and will offer a next step office solution for startups and companies exiting early stage incubator hubs and accelerators like 1871, Catapult Chicago, TechStars Chicago, Impact Engine and the like.”