chi-200WMonroe (4) 200 W. Monroe St.

CHICAGO—Tech firms have been a big driver of Chicago’s office market, and 200 W. Monroe has landed one of the fastest growing in the city. Civis Analytics, a provider of data science software and services, has agreed to occupy 29,079 square feet at the 23-story tower in the West Loop.  

The company was started in 2013 by veterans of the Obama campaign, who now use their analytic wizardry on behalf of public and private clients. But Civis had to move back and forth across the downtown since then, from the East Loop to 833 W. Jackson, as it sought a space which can handle its remarkable growth.

“We’ve been fortunate to outgrow four offices in three years, and we’re ready to have a headquarters that we can finally call home,” says chief financial officer Alan Fu. “The city continues to attract an incredible talent pool, and investing in this new space will allow us to recruit top talent, better serve our clients and deepen our roots in Chicago. We’re eager to expand our presence and contribute to Chicago’s thriving tech and data science community.”

The transaction was led by Cushman & Wakefield executive managing director Steve Schneider, in partnership with senior director Bill Starcevich and senior project manager Jake Hagelow of C&W’s project and development services group.

Civis has grown from 15 employees in 2013 to 120 today, with plans to add at least 75 jobs in 2016. The company will begin occupying its new office in August 2016.

Recent renovations to 200 W. Monroe include a new, modernized lobby and a state-of-the-art conference center. In addition to the upgrades, the building also has an Equinox gym and several restaurants, all within immediate proximity to the El, suburban commuter trains and bus service.

“Civis has identified that a dynamic office space helps engage existing employees and recruit top talent, and they’ve demonstrated that with this choice,” says Schneider. “Featuring open work spaces, plenty of meeting rooms and abundant common areas, Civis’ new space sets the stage to accommodate future growth.”