We were located at 114 N. Aberdeen in the West Loop.
CivicLab was a space that brought together a community organizers, educators, designers, makers, artists, and technologists to co-work, research, teach, build community and create tools. We worked to increase civic engagement, foster direct participation and empower neighborhoods.
We operated for two eventful years from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2015. We were located at on the first floor of 114 N. Aberdeen Street in Chicago’s West Loop.
Tom Tresser talks with journalist Curtis Black, long time reporter for Chicago Community Media, now blogging for the Chicago Reporter.
Co-Work
We offered for space to work as individual or an organization. We offered a variety of membership plans from $200.00 for a fixed desk to $100.00 to float around. We had all the facilities of a regular office such as a full kitchen, wi-fi, and printing. Our promise was: “No matter what line of work you’re in, if you’re someone who cares about this city and social justice, there’s a place for you at CivicLab.”
Classes
We were a big believer in peer education. Our offer was: “Got some skills? Come share them with the larger community by teaching at CivicLab! Looking to gain some skills? Join a community of learners by taking a class. We’re looking teachers and learners for classes on the following topics. We welcome suggestions of your own!”
- Civics, Policy, and Community Organizing
- Electronics and Computer Programming
- Data Mining and Visualization
- 3D Printing
- Citizen Science
- Screen Printing
- Photography, Film, and Radio
- Design Methods
- Graphics
- Gardening and Urban Agriculture
- Community Events and MeetUps
We said:
“Have your next event in our beautiful and unique space on the first floor of an 1870’s fire station. We can also house your meeting in our conference room. Rates start at $20 per hour.
Come to work, learn, hang and play! Join us in growing and nourishing Chicago’s community of change agents, community organizers, civic makers, artists, academics and campaigners who care about the city and social justice!”
For more information, please contact us at info@civiclab.us. Visit us online @ www.civiclab.us.
