AI Consulting Firm Moves HQ to Downtown Chicago

CHICAGO—AI consulting services firm Opex Analytics has shifted its corporate headquarters operations from Evanston, IL to 18,000 square feet of space at 350 N. Orleans St. in Downtown Chicago.

The company’s growth in the past year and the tight office market in Evanston made expansion difficult in that market. The move consolidates Opex Analytics’ operations under one roof, company officials explain.

The firm has relocated its corporate headquarters staff from 4,000 square feet at 500 Davis St. in Evanston. The company also has offices in Atlanta, New York City and Palo Alto, CA, as well as abroad with three locations in Indian and one in Russia., according to its website.

Founded in 2013, Opex Analytics partners closely with both Fortune 500 companies and fast-growing startups to provide AI solutions that empower businesses to make decisions better and faster than ever before.

The company determined in early 2019 that it needed to move operations to Downtown Chicago since Opex has more than doubled its staff in the past year.

Newmark Knight Frank managing director Matthew Frazee led the brokerage team that represented Opex Analytics in the search for its new space that eventually led to the deal at 350 N. Orleans.

Opex Analytics partner Kristen Daihes says, “Our rapid growth and the tight commercial market in Evanston made it difficult for us to consolidate our Chicago area ‘Opexers’ under one roof in the Evanston area. We are excited about the new space NKF helped us secure in a vibrant environment that fits with how we work through collaborative problem solving.  Not only does the space support our future growth, accessibility in the Chicago area is an enabler for us to drive more engagement with our clients and partners.”

NKF’s Frazee echoed Daihes’ sentiments that the tight office market in Evanston and escalating costs in that market made expanding there both difficult and expensive. “The relocation to 350 N. Orleans ensured Opex Analytics the ability to have all of its employees under one roof, which was important for the firm’s culture,” he says. “In addition, 350 N. Orleans offered a move-in ready spec suite with flexible lease terms and is a perfect fit for dynamic and growing companies like Opex Analytics, with its premiere location.”

The new office provides Opex Analytics with an ideal location, modern amenities, flexible floor plans and easy access to public transportation and the many dining and social options located in and around the Chicago Merchandise Mart and Apparel Mart. The space features scenic views of the Chicago River, collaborative work space, ample space dedicated to white boarding and problem solving, and a modern, airy, and industrial open floor plan outfitted with standing desks and designer accents.