While a growing number of companies now offer parents the flexibility to work from home from time to time, sometimes, actually working at your house can be a distraction (housework or Netflix anyone?). While coffee shops offer a nice change of scenery, the spotty Wi-Fi, clustered seating and pressure to buy can get old quickly. That’s why shared co-working spaces have popped up all over town, providing great drop-in options to change up your "wfh" game.
Ampersand
Cost: $35
Where: 3317 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago
Billed as a place that delivers all of the perks of an office experience with none of the BS, LoganSquarist named Ampersand Logan Square’s best place to work. The coworking space features super-fast WiFi, ergonomic chairs, privacy booths and unlimited coffee, tea and snacks. When the weather is nice, guests will have access to a 2,000-square-foot rooftop deck — complete with a bar, grill and hammock.
Carr Workspaces - AON Center
Cost: $25
Where: 200 East Randolph Street, Suite 5100, Chicago
Carr Workspaces offers the best of both worlds – a true downtown office feel with the freedom to come and go. A day pass includes an unreserved seat in any common area, high-speed internet, and access to a fully-stocked community cafe with gourmet coffee, healthy snacks and fresh-baked cookies. Located on the 51st floor of the AON Center, clients can take in breathtaking, unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and Navy Pier.
Dayhouse Coworking
Cost: $39
Where: 2057 Green Bay Road, Highland Park
Dayhouse Coworking offers the perfect blend of work-from-home freedom and office camaraderie. The industrial workspace has a sit anywhere policy and provides clients with free Wi-Fi, coffee, tea and snacks. You’ll also get access to private nooks for phone calls.
Homiey
Cost: $15; also offers hourly options for $5
Where: 3455 W North Avenue, Chicago
This Humboldt Park casual neighborhood spot is a coworking space meets internet cafe. Clients will enjoy the vibrant artwork adorning the walls from local artists, along with high speed WiFi, access to conference rooms and phone booths, a kitchenette and complimentary coffee, tea and snacks.
Lifeworking Coworking
Cost: $40
Where: 717 Forest Avenue, 2nd Floor, Lake Forest
Located in downtown Lake Forest on Chicago’s North Shore, Lifehouse Coworking provides a professional, modern environment for freelancers, entrepreneurs and corporate telecommuters. A day pass allows access to a fully-functioning office space, including a desk, privacy, high-speed secure internet, phone booths for conference calls, free coffee all day and a lounge space to network.
Make Offices
Cost: $35
Where: 1 N. State Street, Suite 1500 (Loop); 541 N. Fairbanks Court, Suite 2200 (Magnificent Mile), 350 N. Orleans, Suite 9000n (River North)
With three city locations, Make Offices provides spacious workspaces with the infrastructure (fast Wi-Fi, conference rooms and private call rooms, printing) and all-inclusive amenities like free coffee/craft beer, access to relaxation and wellness rooms and massage chairs to relax and refuel.
Platform Coworking
Cost: $25
Where: 4422 N. Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago (Ravenswood); 1212 N. Ashland Avenue (Wicker Park)
Platform Coworking is one of Chicago’s original coworking spaces, providing a modern approach to the daily grind since 2008. A day pass will get you a desk in the open seating area, complimentary Wi-Fi and printing, coffee, tea and access to private phone booths. An added bonus? Both locations are within walking distance to some of the best lunch spots in the city.
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