Chicago's 1871 Tech Incubator Set to Find New Home in Edelman Office Space
The prestigious tech incubator, which has been a hub for innovative startups since its launch in 2012, is set to relocate from the iconic Merchandise Mart to a newly donated office space in Chicago's Loop. The organization will be joining forces with Current, a nonprofit focused on solving water challenges, and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in a 23,000-square-foot space at Edelman's headquarters.
The move comes as an end to a long-standing commitment made by 1871 to the Merchandise Mart, which was deemed unsustainable due to changing business needs. However, after exploring alternative options, the group found itself welcomed into the Edelman office with open arms. The communications giant has offered the groups a three-year lease on rent-free terms, anticipating renewal if they choose to stay.
The new space is designed to foster collaboration among the three organizations, boasting co-working areas, over a dozen huddle rooms, and conference spaces. While an exact opening date has not been confirmed, CEO Betsy Ziegler is hopeful to be settled into the new space by the end of the year.
Ziegler acknowledged that the move came as a significant change for 1871, but expressed excitement about the potential for increased collaboration with Current and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "It will probably be more like joint events," she noted, suggesting that the proximity of their offices could give rise to numerous new partnerships and opportunities.
The relocation marks an opportunity for Edelman to anchor a new collaborative innovation space in Chicago's Loop. CEO Amanda Edelman emphasized the importance of fostering growth and innovation in the city, saying "We don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be extended" if the groups choose to stay.
For Current, the new home promises to provide a solid foundation as they scale their organization to advance their mission of promoting sustainable water management across the Great Lakes region. CEO Alaina Harkness highlighted the group's existing partnership with 1871, noting that their collaboration has been consistent and fruitful.
As the tech incubator makes its way into its new home, it will be interesting to see how the close proximity of these organizations sparks new partnerships and initiatives in Chicago's vibrant innovation ecosystem.
The prestigious tech incubator, which has been a hub for innovative startups since its launch in 2012, is set to relocate from the iconic Merchandise Mart to a newly donated office space in Chicago's Loop. The organization will be joining forces with Current, a nonprofit focused on solving water challenges, and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in a 23,000-square-foot space at Edelman's headquarters.
The move comes as an end to a long-standing commitment made by 1871 to the Merchandise Mart, which was deemed unsustainable due to changing business needs. However, after exploring alternative options, the group found itself welcomed into the Edelman office with open arms. The communications giant has offered the groups a three-year lease on rent-free terms, anticipating renewal if they choose to stay.
The new space is designed to foster collaboration among the three organizations, boasting co-working areas, over a dozen huddle rooms, and conference spaces. While an exact opening date has not been confirmed, CEO Betsy Ziegler is hopeful to be settled into the new space by the end of the year.
Ziegler acknowledged that the move came as a significant change for 1871, but expressed excitement about the potential for increased collaboration with Current and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. "It will probably be more like joint events," she noted, suggesting that the proximity of their offices could give rise to numerous new partnerships and opportunities.
The relocation marks an opportunity for Edelman to anchor a new collaborative innovation space in Chicago's Loop. CEO Amanda Edelman emphasized the importance of fostering growth and innovation in the city, saying "We don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t be extended" if the groups choose to stay.
For Current, the new home promises to provide a solid foundation as they scale their organization to advance their mission of promoting sustainable water management across the Great Lakes region. CEO Alaina Harkness highlighted the group's existing partnership with 1871, noting that their collaboration has been consistent and fruitful.
As the tech incubator makes its way into its new home, it will be interesting to see how the close proximity of these organizations sparks new partnerships and initiatives in Chicago's vibrant innovation ecosystem.
I'm glad 1871 is moving out of that old building... I mean, it was probably due for an upgrade anyway 
. But honestly, Edelman's new office space sounds like a solid deal. Rent-free terms? Yes, please! 
And I love how they're making this whole thing about fostering growth and innovation – sounds like a total marketing gimmick to me 
. But hey, it'll be cool to see what kind of partnerships come out of this setup. Maybe we'll finally get some sustainable water management going on in the Great Lakes region... or maybe not 
this is a pretty sweet deal for 1871, gettin' a new space without havin' to pay rent! 
. but, gotta wonder if 1871's gonna stick around for the full three years or just play it cool and see how things go 
! it's like, totally gonna change the game for those innovative startups 
. i think it's awesome that they're joining forces with current and ilinois hispanic chamber of commerce - imagine all the cool joint events and collab opportunities 
. and can you believe edelman is just giving them rent-free terms? 
that's like, super generous! anyway, i'm excited to see what kind of new partnerships and initiatives come out of this 
So finally some good news about 1871! I'm stoked they're making the move to Edelman's space 
. It makes total sense, those offices are basically begging for a tech incubator like that. Can't wait to see what kind of innovation comes out of it 
! And on the bright side, Edelman's not just gonna sit back and collect rent 
!
... on one hand, the new space sounds awesome with all those co-working areas and huddle rooms 
The new space sounds amazing, with all those co-working areas and huddle rooms – it's like they're making a conscious effort to make it easier for these organizations to connect and grow. Fingers crossed that the partnerships between Current, 1871, and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce lead to some real game-changing initiatives. Can't wait to see what's in store for Chicago's innovation scene! 
it's gonna be sick to see all these organizations collab & create something new & amazing together 
and I'm def intrigued by the idea of joint events & partnerships coming out of this... can't wait to see what the future holds for these organizations 
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! And now they're gonna be part of a bigger collaborative ecosystem with Current and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce? It's like, Chicago is on fire 
. Not to mention all the huddle rooms and conference spaces... I'm imagining a hub of innovation and creativity 
. That's like, actually making a difference in people's lives, you know? 
. The city's already got a thriving ecosystem, but this just takes it to the next level 
. The idea of them joining forces with Current and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce sounds pretty cool tho 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of a collaborative innovation space in Chicago's Loop? 