Skender, serving as general contractor, recently completed interior construction of an eight-story, 80,000-square-foot Spaces location, a provider of creative, flexible workspaces, owned by IWG. Spaces has assumed occupancy of the former Sports Authority building at LaSalle and Ontario and, as sole tenant, will enjoy private access to the building’s roof terrace, which was also renovated as part of Skender’s scope.
At its new location, Spaces can provide workspace access to over 500 business professionals from companies of all sizes. Workers can enjoy desk space to meet any business need from private desks to collaborative business lounges to secure conference rooms. The technology-rich office space provides a wide range of amenities to foster community, creativity and growth, while retaining elements from the original building like the exposed brick throughout and high, open ceilings. Key gathering areas include a gym space, large reception area and conference rooms of varying size.
Skender collaborated with an Atlanta-based group of architects at Nelson Companies, Loring Engineers out of North Carolina, local owner’s representative Himes Associates and Spaces Brand owner, IWG, to complete the project for an October 1 move-in date. This will be Spaces’ third location in Chicago, following locations in Fulton Market and the Near North Side. Parent company IWG also has a strong presence in the area, operating under its Regus brand.
“As we continue to grow our Spaces brand, we are always on the lookout for metros that have a solid demand for flexible workspace,” said Michael Berretta, vice president of network development of IWG. “We see Chicago as a city that is hungry for coworking options and we’re excited to set up our HQ at such an iconic location in River North.”
