The neon sign that welcomes visitors in to the 50,000-square foot facility.

1871 is a not-for-profit tech hub that provides Chicago’s start-up community with access to mentors, investors, partners and peers – as well as a wide array of programming, including workshops, special events and conferences. CIW lab participants got an exclusive look inside their “co-working space,” located in the historic Merchandise Mart. Check out  some  of the photos from this awesome lab! 

The mural says it all: “We are a city of builders, makers and doers.”

Startups hard at work inside 1871’s dedicated desk area, which houses over 100 companies.

Kevin Willer, president of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, giving a tour to CIW lab participants.

Web developer class taught in one of 1871’s classrooms.

1871 was filled with colorful murals meant to ignite creativity.

For more behind-the-scenes coverage of Chicago Ideas Week, check us out @ChicagoIdeas and #ciw on Twitter and facebook.com/ChicagoIdeasWeek.

Bridgett Colling is a student at Kalamazoo College and a proud native of greater Detroit. She’s a passionate social media specialist who has worked in digital communications for a diverse range of companies, including a small business start-up in Ecuador and at NPR Detroit. She currently manages promotions and radio programming at Fire Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She blogs at http://mypropheticsoul.tumblr.com. Contact her @BridgettColling and at bridgett.colling@gmail.com.