What is on Floors 2-11 of 10 East Grand, Chicago? (5 Must-See Spots)
I remember the first time I stepped into 10 East Grand in Chicago. I was there for a meeting but found myself captivated not by the appointment but by the building itself. There’s something about multi-floor spaces in the heart of a bustling city that always gets me curious. The elevator doors opened, and I caught a glimpse of the sleek flooring stretching down the hall—polished and welcoming. It made me wonder: what exactly fills those floors from 2 to 11? Over time, I’ve explored and uncovered some gems that many people might miss when passing by. Let me take you on a little tour of this fascinating building and share five spots you really don’t want to miss.
What is on Floors 2-11 of 10 East Grand, Chicago?
10 East Grand is a mixed-use office and commercial building located right in downtown Chicago. It’s not one of those flashy skyscrapers that dominate the skyline, but it has a charm all its own. The building mixes traditional office spaces with creative studios, tech incubators, wellness areas, and executive suites spread over floors two through eleven.
These floors don’t just house businesses—they create a microcosm of Chicago’s dynamic professional landscape. From startups to established firms, creative minds to wellness advocates, this building offers a diverse range of environments. It’s a great example of how commercial real estate can adapt to meet the varied needs of today’s workforce.
Floors 2 & 3: The Creative Hub
When you step onto floors two and three, you enter what I think of as the heart of creative energy within the building. These floors are home to advertising agencies, graphic designers, marketing firms, and small production studios.
The atmosphere is relaxed but charged with inspiration. Open floor plans with glass walls encourage collaboration while exposed brick and industrial lighting retain an urban loft feel. It’s not unusual to catch impromptu brainstorming sessions happening near the coffee bar or see teams sketching ideas on whiteboards during breaks.
From my visits here, I noticed that many tenants value the balance between professionalism and creativity. They want a space that feels alive without sacrificing functionality.
Personal Experience: A Day at a Creative Agency
One afternoon, I spent several hours at a marketing agency on the third floor. Their flooring choice caught my eye immediately—wide plank hardwood with a matte finish that combined durability with warmth. It was perfect for their high foot traffic but also added an inviting touch to client meeting areas.
They told me how their location at 10 East Grand helps attract young talent who want to be in the thick of Chicago’s creative scene without the noise of larger office towers.
Data Insight: Creative Office Space Trends
According to recent reports from CBRE, demand for creative office spaces in downtown Chicago has risen by 15% over the past three years. This trend reflects a broader shift towards environments that foster collaboration and innovation rather than traditional cubicle farms.
In fact, buildings offering flexible layouts and design-forward interiors command up to 20% higher rents compared to older, more conventional spaces.
Floors 4 & 5: Tech & Innovation Zones
Floors four and five serve as incubators for technology startups and innovation-driven companies. These spaces are designed with flexibility in mind—hot desks, shared meeting rooms, and modular furniture dominate.
I’ve visited multiple companies here that focus on everything from fintech to app development. The atmosphere is fast-paced but friendly, with teams often holding stand-up meetings or testing prototypes late into the evening.
Unique Layouts for Growing Startups
Many tenants use these floors because they can easily scale up or down without needing to relocate. One startup I know expanded from just five employees to over fifty within two years while staying right here. This saved them hundreds of thousands in relocation costs alone.
The building management supports this growth by offering flexible lease terms and quick access to additional space when needed.
Case Study: Startup Growth Without Relocation
A fintech company based on the fifth floor shared their journey with me recently. They started small but quickly outgrew their initial space. Instead of moving out, they leased adjacent units within the floor over time.
Floor 6: The Wellness Center
Here is where 10 East Grand stands apart from many other office buildings downtown—the sixth floor is dedicated to wellness.
A fully equipped gym, yoga studios, and quiet meditation rooms are open to all tenants. This focus on employee health is increasingly common but still feels like a luxury in many commercial offices.
Why Wellness Spaces Matter
Studies show that buildings with wellness amenities see up to a 40% increase in tenant satisfaction. This directly correlates with reduced absenteeism and higher productivity.
I personally spent time here during lunch breaks and found it refreshing. It’s not just about exercise—the meditation room provides a much-needed mental break for busy professionals in a hectic city environment.
Tenant Feedback
Employees from various floors told me how having these facilities onsite makes a tangible difference in their daily routine. One marketing professional said she prefers her office here over others simply because she can fit in yoga sessions between meetings.
Floors 7-9: Professional Services & Consulting
These floors house more traditional office environments—law firms, consulting agencies, financial advisors—with private offices and formal conference rooms dominating the layout.
Despite their more conventional setup, these tenants benefit hugely from the building’s location near major transport hubs like the Grand Avenue train station.
Convenience Drives Retention
Data from Chicago’s transit authority reveals that offices close to public transportation experience up to 20% higher employee retention rates than those in less accessible areas.
One consulting firm on floor eight shared how easy commutes help them attract top talent from across the metro area.
Design Notes for Traditional Offices
The flooring here tends toward classic choices—carpet tiles for sound absorption or polished wood for executive suites. These materials support long hours of focused work while maintaining an elegant appearance for client-facing areas.
Floors 10 & 11: Executive Suites & Event Spaces
At the top of the building are executive suites offering prestigious addresses without large financial commitments. These floors also include event spaces used for workshops, seminars, and private functions.
I attended a networking event here last year; the panoramic views of Chicago’s skyline were unforgettable—sunlight reflecting off Lake Michigan made for an inspiring backdrop.
Flexible Space Usage
Event rooms accommodate around 150 guests comfortably and are equipped with modern AV technology. Tenants can host everything from product launches to board meetings in these adaptable spaces.
Leasing Insights
Executive suites here offer short-term leases with customizable office sizes—perfect for consultants or small executive teams wanting a professional downtown presence without long-term leases.
Architectural Features & Flooring Insights Throughout 10 East Grand
One detail I always pay attention to as a flooring expert is how different floors adapt their surface materials depending on use.
- Creative floors (2-3) favor warm hardwood or LVP (luxury vinyl plank) for style plus durability.
- Tech floors (4-5) lean towards resilient materials like polished concrete or industrial carpet tiles that handle heavy foot traffic.
- Wellness floor (6) uses slip-resistant rubber flooring or cork for comfort during workouts and yoga sessions.
- Professional offices (7-9) rely on carpet tiles and hardwood for noise control and elegance.
- Executive floors (10-11) feature high-end carpet or wood paired with area rugs for luxury appeal.
Each material choice aligns with tenant needs for comfort, aesthetics, safety, and maintenance ease.
Why Knowing This Matters If You’re Planning a Flooring Project
Understanding the tenant mix and usage patterns helps when deciding what flooring solutions make sense in similar buildings. For example:
- Wellness centers need moisture-resistant surfaces.
- Creative spaces benefit from durable yet stylish flooring.
- Tech hubs require flexible layouts supporting fast changes.
- Executive areas call for premium finishes reflecting status.
When I plan installations or recommend materials for projects like this, having detailed tenant profiles guides choices that optimize cost-effectiveness and long-term satisfaction.
Some Fun Stats About 10 East Grand
- Leasable space: Around 150,000 sq ft
- Occupancy rate: 92%, above downtown Chicago average (87%)
- Average lease length: 5 years for tech/creative tenants; 7+ years for professional services
- Annual foot traffic: Around 3,500 visitors weekly
- Sustainability features: Energy-efficient lighting since 2021; active recycling programs
- Flooring replacement cycles: Every 7–10 years depending on use intensity
More Personal Stories from Inside 10 East Grand
One memorable conversation I had was with a long-time property manager who shared how tenant demands have shifted over the last decade—from purely functional office space toward environments supporting wellbeing and collaboration. They now prioritize flooring solutions that combine aesthetics with resilience because tenants want spaces they can be proud of and rely on day-to-day.
Another story involves a tenant who renovated their suite on floor four. They chose LVP flooring after consulting me because it offered easy maintenance during rapid team growth phases—no need for expensive repairs or replacements despite heavy use by staff and visitors alike.
Final Thoughts on Floors 2-11 at 10 East Grand
This building tells a story—a story of change in how we work and what we expect from our office environments. From creative agencies sparking ideas on lower floors to tech startups scaling rapidly above, wellness areas nurturing health in the middle, classic professional offices maintaining tradition further up, all the way to prestigious executive suites crowning it at the top—each floor contributes something unique.
Next time you’re near East Grand Avenue in Chicago, take a moment to imagine what happens inside these floors beyond just desks and chairs. There’s energy, innovation, care, professionalism—and yes—the floors underfoot play an important role too.
So let me ask you this: Have you ever explored a building like this? What surprised you most about its mix of uses? I’m always keen to hear stories about interesting spaces around town!
