In Chicago’s Financial District, coworking provider Industrious opened its largest Chicago location at the top floors of the historic Central Standard Building with the vision of creating a double-height, multi-level workspace that embraces the site’s heritage and panoramic views.
Challenge
Designing within a landmark structure required balancing hospitality-driven coworking with the preservation of historic architectural character and views of the Chicago Loop and Board of Trade. The space needed to create a unique first impression and seamless connection across multiple levels while supporting a range of work and social experiences.
Solution
A monumental steel staircase wrapped by a custom double-height screen serves as the focal point. The materials used in main areas echo the wrought iron finishes and marble surfaces that are representative of the location’s heritage as the former Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Building amenities such as private office suites, conference rooms, and wellness areas serve to elevate the brand identity across all floor levels.
Outcome
The result was the creation of a distinctive, high-performance space that reflects the history of the building in a professional and productive environment. It contributes to the ongoing revitalization of the Financial District, offering a flexible, amenity-rich workplace that supports long-term tenant appeal and engagement.
The design blends hospitality-focused coworking with the architectural character of one of Chicago’s most significant historic buildings
Industrious Workspace Chicago
A monumental steel staircase wrapped by a custom double-height screen connects the lounge, library, and outdoor terrace while serving as the social heart of the workplace.
Private office suites, conference rooms, wellness spaces, and social lounges are layered across multiple levels to support a variety of work styles.
Photo Credit: Tim Benson Photographer © 2020
New York-based coworking provider Industrious opened its largest Chicago location at the top floors of the historic Central Standard Building, formerly Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Located at the main intersection of Chicago’s Financial District, the design vision was to create a double height multi-level workspace and amenities that would feature panoramic city views, embracing the historic relevance of this building and the stunning views of the Chicago Loop and the Chicago Board of Trade Building across the street.
NORR designed the premium hospitality-driven coworking interior with a clear vision. Understanding the opportunities of the existing space, the design efforts focused on creating a unique first impression, that would highlight key brand elements as well as historic ironwork architectural patterns and motifs that are present in the building and neighborhood.
At the heart of the space is a monumental steel staircase wrapped by a custom double height screen that serves as the focal point and hub of all social activities. This space connects the main floor lounge with the library and outdoor deck at the above level. The materials used in main areas also echo the wrought iron finishes and marble surfaces that are part of the Chicago Loop Historic Buildings, bringing a contemporary feeling through the furniture selection and the use of plant accents throughout.The Industrious brand identity is elevated with multiple amenities that feature private office suites, conference rooms and wellness areas providing multiple large to smaller and intimate spaces across all floor levels.
The coworking space at Central Standard Building has created an exciting transformation in line with the positive changes in the District. The project was successfully delivered with exceptional quality across all phases of design from space planning to construction documentation to contract administration. The result was the creation of an extraordinary space that reflects the history of the building in a professional and productive environment.
Photo Credit: Tim Benson Photographer © 2020
