Flexible Workspaces Keep Growing in the CBD

The lobby of what will be Convene’s new space in Citadel Center.

CHICAGO—The demand for flexible workspaces in Chicago keeps growing, and one of the nation’s fastest growing providers has decided to nearly double its footprint in the central business district. Convene, which recently signed a lease for 55,000 square feet at Willis Tower, will open another metro location in 2019 at 131 S. Dearborn, also known as the Citadel Center. The firm will manage full-service, tech-enabled meeting and event spaces that can accommodate up to 450 people. The 50,000-square-foot, 15-year lease spans the tower’s ground and second floors.

The owners of both properties have begun significant renovations. A partnership of Angelo Gordon, Hines and Dearborn Capital owns Citadel Center and recently launched a $100 million upgrade, and Equity Office has said it would invest $500 million in its Willis Tower, the first major renovation in the 110-story building’s history.