Update: This story originally ran on June 21, 2012.
Just letting you know right now: Your entire office is about to feel a serious pang of envy, thanks to a place called 1871. It's the recently opened co-working space in the Merchandise Mart, managed by Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, that's got busy professionals in the tech world and beyond clamoring for the keys. The concept is simple genius: Your start-up company rents desks in a communal workspace filled with other start-up companies. It takes the pressure off opening your own HQ and lets you get professional in a much more productive environment than, say, your couch.
In addition, the design of the building rules. So, click through to tour the coolest complex concept in Chicago, then get your brilliantidea.com on the waiting list for desk space, ASAP. This office is so awesome that there's actually a line to go in to work.
Photographed by Julia Stotz
