Remote Work Reimagined: Work from Summertime Chi

Chicago’s central business district has long been the economic heartbeat of our city. However, like many metropolitan areas around the world, it’s faced significant challenges in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered work patterns, leaving many office spaces empty. In response, a coalition of leading organizations— P33 Chicago, World Business Chicago, Choose Chicago, with the support of the City of Chicago—recently launched the Work from Summertime Chi initiative. This bold plan aims to inspire workers to enjoy officing from interesting spaces and places downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

The latest report from theChicago Loop Alliance shows promising foot traffic data, with pedestrian counts averaging 94 percent of pre-pandemic levels on State Street and 107 percent on weekends. Big forward-thinking companies like Google , JPMorgan Chase & Co., and developers and investors readying to begin transformative development on LaSalle Street— all see a bright future for the city’s downtown.

Now is the time for the rest of us to join in and invest time in filling these glorious spaces and places in Chicago. Work from Summertime Chi makes that easy.

The Work from Summertime Chi campaign is enjoying great word-of-mouth and social engagement.

The data is clear: the people are back, and the city is ready for a revival.

Summer in Chicago is a time when residents and visitors flock to the city’s outdoor spaces, festivals, and lakefront. The Work from Summertime Chi initiative was conceived to leverage this natural draw to bring more remote and/or hybrid workers back into the city’s core. Unlike typical return-to-office campaigns, this program embraces remote work by promoting co-working in iconic Chicago locations such as Navy Pier, the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the Chicago Cultural Center. Other great coworking spaces are available at 1871, Workbox, Matter, Sterling Bay, Chef Art Smith’s Reunion Restaurant, MoxE, and more. These inspiring environments not only showcase the city’s rich cultural heritage but also support the local economy.

“Chicago is the ‘city that works’ – and we all know there is no better place to spend a summer day than Navy Pier. Creative endeavors like Work From Summertime Chi will ensure our city’s continued economic recov

ery and directly support the locally-owned and small businesses that call Navy Pier home.”– Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier

Boosting Local Businesses & Economy

The return of remote workers to the Loop extends beyond office buildings. Local businesses, including restaurants, cafes, retail stores, and entertainment venues, will benefit significantly from increased foot traffic. By bringing workers back into the city, even on a part-time basis, this initiative aims to boost sales, create jobs, and help stimulate the local economy.

“The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago is honored to participate in the “Summertime Chi” initiative together with civic leaders from the city of Chicago such as P33, World Business Chicago or Choose Chicago to open Chicago’s iconic places to our communities and visitors.  We are proud to continue serving Chicago and its cultural environment for almost six decades.” – MCA’s Pritzker Director, Madeleine Grynsztejn

By leveraging the allure of summer, promoting iconic co-working spaces, and driving economic impact, Work from Summertime Chi has the potential to redefine what it means to work in Chicago. Enjoy this videofrom the initiative’s kick-off in May at Navy Pier.

If you’d like some light reading while you Work from Summertime Chi, consider:

1. Chicago Loop Alliance Recovery Report.
2. Gensler Global Workplace Survey 2024.
3. Work from Summertime Chi website.
4. Digital media coverage of #WorkfromSummertimeChi.
5. Local and national news coverage via Bloomberg, Axios, Co-Star, WGN Radio, Crains Article, and Block Club.

Join us this Sunday, Father’s Day, on State Street for the ultimate downtown street fest, Sundays on State. Don’t miss out on the fun and festivities!Last, we’d like to special note of thanks to all our partners, collaborators, and supporters— for helping us drive the messaging of this initiative to capture space in the consciousness, hearts, and minds of the city’s remote and hybrid workforce. Tifair Hamed Melissa Harris Andrew Hayes Jara Kern Erin Roberts Lisa Nucci Stephen Crano Kenya K. Merritt Phil Clement Brad Henderson Richard Gamble Marilynn Gardner Robin Ficke Rebecca Lockowitz (Randall) (and many, many more)…

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