In entrepreneurship, inspiration can strike at any moment, even when you're sleeping.
So imagine being able to wake up, run to the 3D printer, and create a working prototype in minutes--all from the comfort of your apartment building.
That's the reality for tenants at 1001 South State, a 397-unit rental building in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood that just opened in August. The new 40-story building has all your traditional apartment amenities--fitness center, media room, rooftop terrace--but with one high-tech upgrade: a makerspace.
The communal workspace gives residents access to a Nomad 833 Pro CNC milling machine and a Glowforge 3D Laser Printer, allowing entrepreneurs and tinkerers to make jewelry, widgets or other prototypes without leaving the building.
In addition to the maker equipment, the building also offers tech amenities like a co-working space with interactive whiteboard technology, SB ports in the kitchens and bedrooms, a game room and Wi-Fi in the common areas.
"Designed for those who love style and technology, 1001 South State ... offers amenities unlike any others available in Chicago," the building's website reads.
1001 South State opened in late August with apartments available in studio, one, two and three-bedroom layouts. Developed by Golub & Company and CIM Group, the building also features a bike repair room, automated package and dry cleaning system, and a "living biowall," a vertical garden that grows fresh herbs.
"1001 is destined to become the place for Chicago's top innovators to live, work and collaborate," Golub & Company President and CEO Michael Newman said in a statement when the building opened.
The idea, it seems, is to make 1001 South State a destination for startup and tech folks by providing access to tech equipment, and the chance to bump in to like-minded entrepreneurs in the hallways. A two-bedroom will cost you over $3,000, but hey, at least you don't have to shell out for a 3D printer.
Image via 1001 South State
