New Winter Headquarters For Occupy Chicago
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Occupy Chicago has found a place to hunker down for the winter.
As WBBM Newsradio's David Roe reports, the group is leasing two units on the fifth and seventh floors of the Riverfront Work Lofts, at 500 W. Cermak Rd.
Occupy Chicago has told the Chicago Tribune that it will use the units to consolidate operations in a single area, as well as meet and organize. Currently, members of the group typically meet separately and come together later, spokesman Joshua Kaunert told the newspaper.
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With the new space, Occupy Chicago will be able to draw more people to meetings and events in the winter, and committees will be able to collaborate more easily, the Tribune reported.
The building, located on the eastern edge of the Pilsen neighborhood, used to house the Thompson & Taylor Spice Co. It also houses numerous other businesses, including art and recording studios and a self-defense academy, the Tribune reported.
Occupy Chicago will take over 3,400 square feet on the fifth floor, and 2,500 feet on the seventh.
The protesters will use the units only for office space, and not for overnight lodging, the Tribune reported.
The first Occupy Chicago general assembly at the facility will be held Friday evening. Occupy members will meet at Jackson Boulevard and LaSalle Street at 7 p.m., and head to the group's space afterward.
A news conference to unveil the space officially is set for Saturday.
