Former Bears players plan coworking space, private club in historic Motor Row building

A pair of ex-Chicago Bears are teaming up to convert an old Motor Row auto showroom into a 115,000-square-foot complex featuring new coworking space, restaurants, a private club, and a rooftop pool.

Retired defensive ends Israel Idonije and Julius Peppers are leading a venture to renovate the Hudson Motor Building, located at 2222 S. Michigan Avenue. The former Bears announced their plan to acquire the 92-year-old property in August and completed the $10 million deal early this year.

The current plan for the five-story building calls for private offices, conference rooms, a technology incubator, gym, barbershop, and four residential units. The project, which is known as FBRK (pronounced “fabric”), will offer a membership component similar to WeWork and Fulton Market’s Soho House, reported Crain’s.

Idonije and Peppers are betting heavily on the nearby McCormick Square entertainment district and its Wintrust Arena and new hotels to be a sustained catalyst for future growth. Designed by Ware Malcomb, the proposed South Loop development will also include restaurants that will be open to the public, said Eater Chicago.

FBRK will require approval from the City of the Chicago. The development team filed its zoning application with the City Clerk on Wednesday and hope to begin construction in September. Provided approvals go smoothly, the old Hudson Motor Building could open to members in late 2019.

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• Former Bears plan co-working, club space on Motor Row [Crain’s]
• Ex-Chicago Bears to Open Restaurants Inside South Side Complex [Eater Chicago]
• Former Bear buys Motor Row building [Crain’s]