1871 3.0 already is in the works
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Photo by Tech Cocktail via Flickr.comWith new expansion space already full, some 1871 companies are moving upstairs at the Merchandise Mart.
When Howard Tullman took over 1871 a year ago, he talked a lot about instilling more of an "up or out" culture.
After expanding out—taking 50 percent more space next to 1871's original home on the 12th floor of the Merchandise Mart—he's focusing on up.
Howard Tullman
There are three or four companies, including ThinkCerca and Gramovox, with 35 workers that have moved into recently vacated space on the 13th floor, with others planning to move in.
Tullman didn't say how much space he wants, but he's in talks with Mart management. The recent expansion of 25,000 square feet was full almost as soon as it opened in October. 1871 recently added Loyola to its growing roster of university partners who have space there.
As the startup incubator and co-working space heads toward its third birthday, 1871 has established enough of a track record and corporate support that it may not be dependent on state grants to expand. So far, the state has provided two grants worth $4.8 million. But Tullman says he has discussed the expansion plans with Gov. Bruce Rauner's transition team.
