Fast forward to the recent NeoCon 2010 in Chicago, where Wilkhahn entered its newest office product, ON®, and set an international benchmark for healthy office seating, winning the “Best of NeoCon” award honoring new commercial interiors products introduced to the contract furnishings industry during that show.   Five years of development combined with Wilkhahn’s four decades of expertise in dynamic seating, has produced ON®, a fluid combination of natural, 3-D movement – freedom to sit the way our bodies want & can. Ergonomists and healthcare experts are not the only ones to welcome this scientific research showing that, for the first time, an office chair encourages the natural, three-dimensional flexibility of the human body.

Over the past few months, ON has garnered several international awards and, now, at North America’s premier fair for commercial interiors, Wilkhahn’s new development won the top award in the “Best of NeoCon” competition. From the 326 products submitted, the judges gave ON a “Gold Award” in the “Ergonomic/Task” category and a “Silver Award” in the “Seating/Conference” category.  Then followed with the most coveted prize of all categories: ON scooped the “Best of Competition” award as NeoCon 2010′s top product.

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate one of our newest tenants, Wilkhahn, on this exceptional achievement.  For more information or a presentation of this award winning chair and the remainder of their line, contact Samuel Gowland of Wilkhahn at 312.896.3446 or samuel.gowland@wilkhahn.com.

Of course, we think the best place to have that office in the city is one of the business centers of The Suites Collection.  They’re each located conveniently close to public transportation so you can hop the red line whether you’re heading north to see the Cubs or south to see the Sox. 

Lunch in the sun is delightful each summer.  Court House Executive Offices is directly above Maggiano’s and steps from La Madia, NAHA and Frontera and their outdoor spaces.  Theatre District Business Center is above Petterino’s corner café and Tree Studios has its beautiful private courtyard and Pops for Champagne right downstairs.

There is plenty of time for you to make one of our centers your new summer business home.

Looking for ways to expand or enhance your business acumen? There are plenty of options for support and advice from companies whose business it is to keep you in business. Continuing your education is a great idea. Even if your schedule is busy, you can always find quick tips in magazines, online and by reaching out into your local community.

Reading a magazine is a refreshing way to discover information without having to be in front of a computer screen.  While on the train or waiting at an airport, pick up a copy of Inc. Magazine, “The Magazine for Growing Companies”.  Also referred to as “The Small Business Bible”, Inc. Magazine uses real life examples of business strategies, case studies, successes and failures to highlight real world solutions. The current issue features Paul Graham whose company, Y Combinator, is a hybrid venture capital fund and business school that funds and advises early-stage businesses.  Another article captures and compares the inner workings at Google and Microsoft.   

Toolkit.com is an online business owners toolkit offering “total know how” for small businesses.  We’ve recommended this site in previous blogs, but they’ve revamped and improved their site recently which makes it even better.  News stories and links direct you to the latest developments affecting small businesses.  The 200 free business documents, templates, checklists and official government forms make it easy for you to access those items from one place.

Your nearby college or university can also be a great resource.  Business and economics departments often conduct public outreach.  In Chicago, DePaul University’s Entrepreneurship Program at the Coleman Entrepreneurship Center offers consulting services, educational programs and resources for students and entrepreneurs throughout the city in the various stages of what they term the “Entrepreneurial Quest®”.

And if you want a good laugh to relieve you after your studies, read “Every Piece of Start Up Advice Is a Lie Including Mine” , an enlightening blog entry from one of Y Combinator’s participant entrepreneurs, Tony Right. 

As we bask in the day’s warming sunshine, our minds wander to the entertaining outdoor activities available for those of us lucky enough to live or work in Chicago.  From fountains and festivals to outdoor concerts and markets, we Chicagoans know how to take advantage of the perks that come along in spring and summer.  It is with great pleasure that we present The Suites Collection’s annual installment of warm weather to-dos for our tenants and friends.  Mark your calendars, we’ll meet you there!

Listen to beautiful music while lounging in Chicago’s “front yard” at The Grant Park Music Festival. This series of free classical music under the stars runs June 11^th – August 16^th.  No advance purchase needed!  Lawn and general seating in the Pritzker Pavilion is free, or if you prefer to be in the reserved forward seating area, you can make arrangements here.  Grant Park also boasts Jazz Fest, Blues Fest, Taste of Chicago, Celtic Fest, Viva Chicago, and many others, so visit the Mayor’s Office of Special Events to find one to your liking.

Court House Executive Offices, located at 101 W. Grand, is just four blocks north of the picturesque Chicago River.  Catch the great riverside views from a $2 water taxi ride or indulge in a nice evening out with dinner and dancing while cruising along the river and Lake Michigan.  Pick the trip that’s right for you by reading Yelp reviews of Chicago River cruises. 

Another great way to enjoy the river is to Dine al fresco at Fulton’s on the River.  They are now featuring Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 – 6pm, where you can enjoy the new bar menu and half price signature snacks in the Murdoch Lounge. 

Across from Theatre District Business Center, Daley Plaza’s farmers market offers a wide selection of fresh and homemade fare for your impromptu casual lunch.  The market is held every Thursday from May 14^th to Oct 15^th, and is the perfect place to purchase produce, baked goods and flowers for a mid-day picnic.   There are plenty of grassy spots along the lake and river for grabbing a quick bite.  We prefer to enjoy our picnics in the tranquil courtyard at Tree Studios.  Won’t you join us?

“I always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.” – John D. Rockefeller

Sometimes we need a push to point ourselves in a new direction.  The current economic climate is certainly giving us a big push right now!  While the financial crisis worsens, it’s easy to feel a loss of confidence and control.  But what we decide to do in the face of adversity and how we respond to perceived failures are actions that we actually do control.  When you find yourself surrounded by change and uncertainty, take time to listen to your instincts and follow your dreams.  Who better to invest in than yourself?  If starting your own business is something you’ve always wanted to do, The Suites Collection can help you find a place to make that dream come true.   

If you need a basic set up for your new business entity – our virtual office program provides you with a prestigious address in the Loop or River North and a professional receptionist to answer your calls.   Our flexible office program allows you part time use of a private office for meeting preparation or to connect with clients when you are between downtown appointments.   If you need full time dedicated space, a private office in any of our 3 convenient business centers can be arranged with furnishings, telephone and high speed internet service included.  To help you hit the ground running, our centers are equipped with additional services including use of copier, fax and secretarial support. 

 Our staff is constantly researching and reporting on trends we think will benefit our tenants.   Read more of our blog to find out about the small business incentives in the current stimulus plan, tax advice and recommendations for ways you can save on everything – from insurance to marketing to technology.  We are here to help your business grow and we look forward to meeting you and listening to your ideas.   Find out more about us by calling us at 312-994-2700 or schedule a tour today.

“What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise” – Oscar Wilde

Tree Studios Courtyard

In a city known for its architecture, Tree Studios stands out for being both culturally and aesthetically pleasing.  Distinctive features are reminiscent of a time long past – the courtyard, the working fireplaces, the decorative woodwork and glass.  These unique touches remind us of a storied history, when painters and poets lived and worked together here for over a century.  Today, artists and businesses work side by side in the fully restored Studios with modern conveniences and technology.  Availability has recently opened up in this River North landmark to include large and small Studio spaces that would be a perfect fit for an artist or a business with a creative component.

The common hallway

Each private studio is equipped with telephone and high speed internet connections.  Shared common features include a coffee and copy center, well appointed conference room and mail room.   An office manager is on site to handle daily business details of the studios so you can pay attention to your activities.

Office Studio

Artist Studio

From the landscaping of the tranquil private courtyard – truly a one of a kind treasure in the midst of our bustling city – to the sun-filled hallways where tenants greet each other throughout the day, Tree Studios is an inspiring environment for any creative individual or business. 

Schedule your tour today!

Frontera Grill

Two winners of the prestitious James Beard Award can be found a block away from Court House Executive Offices.  Carrie Nahabedian, chef and co-owner of NAHA at 500 N. Clark, won the James Beard asard for “Best Chef Great Lakes” this year.  NAHA’s food blends Calofornian and Mediterranean flavors and their extensive wine list is created “with the philosophy that food and wine are not only to complimnet each other, but to inspire and touch all of our senses”.  Right across the street at 449 N. Clark are Frontera Grill and Topolobampo, where owner Rick Bayless won the James Beard Award for “Best American Chef: Midwest” in 1991 and “National Chef of the Year” in 1995.  We are expecting a third concept in the very near future.

Fulton's on the River

Before the weather turns cold (for good) head to Fulton’s on the River at 315 N. LaSalle for the seafood, the steak and a seat on the patio overlooking the action on the Chicago River.  No time to sit back and enjoy the view?  For quick and light fare, try the new Einstein’s Bros.  Bagels at 400 N. Dearborn for a sandwhich soup and salad or a bagel with a shmear.

Hub 51

Hub 51, at 51 W. Hubbard, opened recently and caters to cravings.  Richard Melman’s sons, RJ and Jerrod, have created a broad menu with everything from seafood and sushi to tacos and burgers in a great, soaring loft space with a very popular bar.  Look for the red high heel.  If you are in the mood for authentic regional cuisine, Ben Pao at 52 W. Illinios or India House at 59 W. Grand offer delicious international dining and have affordable lunch specials.

Ben Pao

Wind down for your week at Shaw’s Crab House or its Oyster Bar.  This retro seafood house at 21 E. Hubbard offers an exceptional selection of fish and oysters flown in daily.  Then, head to Pops for Champagne on the corner of State and Ohio streets to jazz up your life with live music most nights of the week.  Serving more than 125 champagnes & Sparkling wines in addition to small plates and desserts, Pops does this all in one of the most celebrated buildings in the city, Tree Studios.

Pops for Champagne

Nestled between high rises, Tree Studios is an internationally recognized landmark building that dates back to 1894.   Now fully restored, the complex houses a collection of retail shops and galleries as well as a shared studio environment for the creative arts.  These unique work spaces are available for lease through The Suites Collection.  We welcome tenants who are artists or have artistically related businesses.  Current occupants include painters, writers, architects and graphic designers, among others.  

Judge Lambert Tree

The story of Tree Studios continues to enhance our city’s architectural prestige.  Earlier this year, the studios and surrounding buildings were celebrated through the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Awards for Excellence: The Americas competition. The Awards are widely known as the land use industry’s most prestigious recognition program honoring creativity, vision and best practices in land use.  Original owners Judge & Mrs. Lambert Tree, whose likenesses are sculptured at the entrance to the building, certainly made good use of their land by conceiving a building that continues to enhance the work of artists more than a century later. 

Anna Tree

During a recent presentation to the Burnham Committee, Alderman Edward Burke praised the restoration of Tree Studios by saying, “We are lucky to find ourselves in this picturesque location, a uniquely Chicago institution that once housed the nation’s oldest known artist studios. Like the city itself, Tree Studios faced adversity and finds itself still standing tall.  As it evolves and continues to be an important part of the artistic and cultural landscape of Chicago, it provides a shining example of the living, breathing soul of our city, which is defined by its past, present, and future.”  

  See more pictures of Tree Studios.

Find out about current studio availability.

Read the entire text of Alderman Burke’s speech.

Use the interactive maps below to personalize your directions to one of our three business centers.

THEATRE DISTRICT BUSINESS CENTER – 60 W. Randolph

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TREE STUDIOS – 4 E. Ohio

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COURT HOUSE EXECUTIVE OFFICES – 101 W. Grand

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Despite the fact that warm weather feels like it just arrived, we’ve only got 6 weeks left until Labor Day weekend.  Why not take advantage of the remaining season by having some fun after work in Chicago?

The Suites Collection executive offices are located in River North and Downtown.   Both neighborhoods offer plenty of special events to enjoy this summer.

Everywhere you look in the loop on Thursdays, you’ll see someone carrying a bouquet of beautiful fresh flowers.  It’s likely they just visited the Daley Plaza Farmers market across the street from Theater District Business Center.   Local farms set up tents selling fresh produce, jams, breads and other homemade goodies from 7am – 3pm.

After work, grab a picnic supper & meet your friends in Grant Park for a movie. Beginning tonight, movies play Tuesdays at sunset for the next 6 weeks.  Blankets or lawn chairs are recommended! Here’s the schedule:

July 15: 8:57 p.m. “All About Eve”

July 22: 8:51 p.m. “The Odd Couple”

July 29: 8:44 p.m. “The Blues Brothers”

Aug 5: 8:35 p.m. “The Day the Earth Stood Still”

Aug12: 8:25 p.m. “Touch of Evil”

Aug 19: 8:15 p.m. “An Affair to Remember”

Aug 26: 8:03 p.m. “Grease”

For a unique sightseeing experience near Court House Executive Offices head down to the River Walk and view “Chicago Looks: Portraits by Chicago Artists”.  These portraits reveal the artists’ personal perspectives on Chicago and their approaches range from literal portraiture to surreal interpretation.  Be sure to check out the portrait between Clark & LaSalle titled “The Pit Broker” by Rebecca Byrne, owner of Studio 12 Fine Art located in Tree Studios.