BLK+BRWN Market

BLK+BRWN Market is reimagining co-working and co-retail with a new platform for creative professionals to network and collaborate both virtually and in real life. Supporting black and brown-owned businesses can have broader ripple effects; these enterprises are the employers for black and brown workers and can be a driving force for community development in their neighborhoods. BLK+BRWN Market, acts as an ecosystem designed to bring modern business amenities to overlooked communities. Amenities that attract aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs with tools like office & meeting space, media studios, programming for wellness, mentoring and business coaching, a built-in marketplace for emerging designers and retailers and a food hall.

Latent provided development feasibility consultation to BLK+BRWN Market and concept design to support their early financing endeavors to build out their first brick and mortar location. We reviewed applicable zoning ordinances and worked with Knead Construction to propose a concept design that preserved the original Glass Factory building, optimized the program, and captured the BLK+BRWN Market vision for their members. City of Chicago awarded BLK+BRWN Market $1.15 million in Community Development grant June 2024. Read the Office of the Mayor press release here.