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When the 'Coworking Space Ship' made its way across the US and Canada, it also landed on the border of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. A sprawling metropolis born out of the the rail and shipping industry as goods made their way from the East coast to the West in the late 19th century, the city is the third largest in the States with an estimated 9.8 million people, and considered a major hub for industry, telecommunications and infrastructure.
By Julianne Becker - Friday, 20 April 2012

It is no surprise that emerging industries in the city are looking at alternative workstyles as they forge ahead into the new frontiers of the start-up realm. Collaboration is seen as key to the success of these new ventures, and the city itself is getting involved by backing a 50,000 square foot (4650 square meter) tech heavy coworking space called '1871', which is set to open in May and is - reportedly - already "full".

At the moment there are not as many spaces that fall in to the category of collaborative workspaces, but with the example above as well as the numerous coworking and collaborative enterprises on the way, Chicago might just shift to become a major player on the scene.

Deskmag’s Chicago tour:

Tech Nexus

First stop was Tech Nexus, just next to The Willis tower (and the hosts of our Coworking Space Ship meet-up for collaborative space operators). This must be one of the highest coworking spaces in the world, being located on the 15thfloor of a behemoth city building. Tech Nexus opened its doors in 2007 and has since housed over 130 businesses. The initiative was spawned through a partnership of the Illinois Technology Association (ITA) and private investors.

Although Tech Nexus falls more to the incubator side of things, with a heavy tech focus and application process, they do still have dedicated coworking areas for freelancers, which were very well utilized. The start-ups housed here are in an open environment and you can see that collaboration was in mind in the design of the place. The people here seem to really enjoy the space and their community.

Office Port Chi

Office Port is a small chain of workspaces, with one location in Chicago and two in Kansas City. The Chicago location is managed by James, whose goal is to keep a friendly atmosphere and keep all of the members happy.

Office Port has quite a different feel than Tech Nexus. Though housed in a similar sort of building, the aesthetic was a bit more industrial chic. It has a lot of small companies mingled together with freelancers, as well as a few private offices tucked in behind glass walls, which helps keep the feeling of collaboration alive. The space has definitely been shaped by the community, which seems to favor a bit more quiet and privacy than other spaces, but still keeps the fun alive with a cute golf putting green and picnic table decorated with fairy lights.

Coop

The Coop is one of Chicago’s oldest dedicated coworking spaces. They have changed location recently, but have managed to make the space feel lived-in, contemporary, and collaborative with ease. As you walk in you meet a wall of the faces of those who will be your new friends in the space, as well as a floor-to-ceiling circus tent painting which really adds to the funtastic atmosphere of the place.

Ashley, the Coop's resident community manager, started as a freelancer here after shopping around Chicago's coworking scene and finally made the Coop her home. With their open plan desk space it is easy to see who is coming in, and everyone is greeted with smiles. The sense of community is apparent at first sight.

One of the best aspects of the space is the rooftop. Coworkers are welcome to climb up to the top of the building to eat, have a meeting, or get some work done, while looking over the dramatic skyscape.

Workspring

This workspace is quite unlike any other Deskmag has visited. Workspring is a dedicated meeting space which looks and feels like a relaxing spa location. The design is all rounded and curved, with light colors guiding you to the front desk. It is actually an experimental type of workspace created by the office furniture company Steelcase. Behind the soft exterior is top-of-the-line technological gadgets that make meetings super easy to run.

Though Workspring does not fall directly into the category of collaborative workspaces (as it is booked for use by the day and often for internal corporate meetings), there is a lot than can be taken as inspiration. The design and feel was quite special - who wouldn't want to go to work in spa-ffice every day? It also goes to show that the utilization of meeting room space may be something to consider when designing both the physical collaborative workspace, as well as your business model. Workspring has had no problems in staying afloat since opening in 2008.

Enerspace

Found just west of downtown in a beautiful old factory building, Enerspace is absolutely gorgeous. The ceilings are forever high and the windows huge, washing the whole place with natural light and a magnificent view of downtown Chicago.

The owner of this new space (opened in March 2012) Jamie Russo did a lot of research before settling on the location. On the logistical side there is parking, easy access to public transport, and food not a far walk away (and for Oprah fans, it is just a few blocks from the former Harpo Studios).

Jamie is not only a proponent of collaborative work, but of healthy living in general, which she believes fits quite well within the whole concept. She has reserved a large corner of the space for a studio that can be used for yoga or other movement activities, and there are showers for those make use of them or who ride in. She still has some availability, but best get in touch soon; Enerspace will fill up fast.

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