Chicago's 1871 Tech Incubator Finds New Home with Public Relations Firm Edelman
The renowned tech incubator 1871, a leading hub for entrepreneurial innovation in the city, is set to relocate from its historic home at the Merchandise Mart to a newly donated office space near the Loop. The new facility, situated at Edelman's Chicago headquarters at 111 N. Canal St., promises to bring together 1871 with fellow nonprofit organizations Current and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce under one roof.
The 23,000 square-foot space, generously provided by public relations giant Edelman, will boast state-of-the-art co-working areas, over a dozen huddle rooms, and numerous conference spaces. CEO Betsy Ziegler expressed optimism about the move, stating that she hopes to be settled in by the end of the year, despite minimal renovation requirements.
This new partnership marks a significant shift for 1871, which has been forced to leave its beloved space at The Mart due to unsustainable real estate commitments prior to the pandemic. In an email to members and supporters last April, Ziegler announced the group's decision to vacate its long-time home, citing the need for a more cost-effective arrangement.
Enter Edelman, whose Chicago office head Amanda Edelman extended an offer of rent-free space to 1871, with a three-year lease. According to Edelman, this generous gesture was driven by a desire to foster collaboration and drive innovation in the city. "We wouldn't do it for everyone unless they were a nonprofit working for the common good," she said, emphasizing her organization's commitment to making a positive impact.
The partnership also brings Current, a nonprofit focused on addressing water challenges, into the fold. CEO Alaina Harkness highlighted the significance of this new collaboration, citing the potential for increased joint events and enhanced connections between tech entrepreneurs and water experts.
Meanwhile, Jaime di Paulo, president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, expressed excitement about rekindling its partnership with 1871. Edelman's ultimate goal appears to be more than just fostering collaborations; she aims to contribute meaningfully to Chicago's innovation landscape and drive positive change in the community.
As the tech incubator settles into its new home, it is clear that this latest chapter marks an exciting development for a hub that has been instrumental in nurturing some of Chicago's most innovative startups.
The renowned tech incubator 1871, a leading hub for entrepreneurial innovation in the city, is set to relocate from its historic home at the Merchandise Mart to a newly donated office space near the Loop. The new facility, situated at Edelman's Chicago headquarters at 111 N. Canal St., promises to bring together 1871 with fellow nonprofit organizations Current and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce under one roof.
The 23,000 square-foot space, generously provided by public relations giant Edelman, will boast state-of-the-art co-working areas, over a dozen huddle rooms, and numerous conference spaces. CEO Betsy Ziegler expressed optimism about the move, stating that she hopes to be settled in by the end of the year, despite minimal renovation requirements.
This new partnership marks a significant shift for 1871, which has been forced to leave its beloved space at The Mart due to unsustainable real estate commitments prior to the pandemic. In an email to members and supporters last April, Ziegler announced the group's decision to vacate its long-time home, citing the need for a more cost-effective arrangement.
Enter Edelman, whose Chicago office head Amanda Edelman extended an offer of rent-free space to 1871, with a three-year lease. According to Edelman, this generous gesture was driven by a desire to foster collaboration and drive innovation in the city. "We wouldn't do it for everyone unless they were a nonprofit working for the common good," she said, emphasizing her organization's commitment to making a positive impact.
The partnership also brings Current, a nonprofit focused on addressing water challenges, into the fold. CEO Alaina Harkness highlighted the significance of this new collaboration, citing the potential for increased joint events and enhanced connections between tech entrepreneurs and water experts.
Meanwhile, Jaime di Paulo, president and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, expressed excitement about rekindling its partnership with 1871. Edelman's ultimate goal appears to be more than just fostering collaborations; she aims to contribute meaningfully to Chicago's innovation landscape and drive positive change in the community.
As the tech incubator settles into its new home, it is clear that this latest chapter marks an exciting development for a hub that has been instrumental in nurturing some of Chicago's most innovative startups.
. Edelman is doing them a solid by giving 'em a sweet new spot, like, what's not to love? 
it's all about collaboration and makin' a positive impact in the community, right? 
. lets just give 'em some space (no pun intended) and let 'em thrive in their new setup 
.
. I mean, think about it - a public relations firm that's not only giving away rent-free space but also wanting to drive innovation and positive change in the community 
. It's like, what's not to love? The fact that they're teaming up with Current and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is just the cherry on top 
. It's all about fostering collaboration and connections between tech entrepreneurs and experts from different fields. And let's be real, who doesn't want to see more water-focused initiatives taking off 
? This partnership has got me super excited for what's to come - can't wait to see some amazing startups and projects take shape 
!
they're giving up their old spot at the merchandise mart cuz it was super expensive and now they're moving to a free rent place with tons of cool amenities 
what a win for chicago's startup scene 
hope it means more awesome events and collabs for entrepreneurs and nonprofits alike 
I wonder if they'll be able to increase the events space, it seems like a great opportunity for networking 
. I mean, rent-free space is pretty amazing too 
. I mean, having state-of-the-art co-working areas and huddle rooms will definitely help entrepreneurs thrive in Chicago 
... they already got a lot of $$ from the gov and private corps, no need for a freebie 
. seems like just another way for edelman to be seen as "corporate social responsibility" 
1871 chicago getting a new home at edelman office space is like a big hug 
and now current and illinois hispanic chamber of commerce are part of the fam too 
it's gonna be epic to see all these orgs collabing and driving innovation in chicago 
can't wait 2 see what kinda cool stuff come outta here 
Can't wait to see what amazing things come out of this partnership 
so yeah 1871 is literally moving to Edelman's office because they couldn't afford their old space anymore 
it's like the ultimate win-win situation for them, I guess 
but hey at least they'll be in a "state-of-the-art" co-working area that's probably just a fancy way of saying "we spent a lot of money on decorations" 
. And I'm glad Current is gettin involved too, water challenges be real and we need more people workin on that 
. Can't wait to see what new startups come outta this deal 
there was this tiny street performer outside the museum doing this insane juggling act with like 10 balls at once 