91´«Ã½

CHICAGO - Today 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) announced its plan to explore Chicago’s commercial real estate market with the listing of its headquarter buildings at 40 and 50 East Huron. Efforts to examine the value of its headquarters are fueled by its goals to enhance operational excellence; grow membership; and acquire a workplace environment that supports the development of innovative programs and services for its members.

“The 91´«Ã½ Executive Board and staff are committed to the mission of 91´«Ã½ and its long-term ability to support its members as they serve their libraries and communities,” said 91´«Ã½ President Loida Garcia Febo. “91´«Ã½ headquarters are an important part of our history and have served members and staff well. But, just as our communities, our libraries, our work lives have changed, so have the needs of the Association—including those of our workplace.”

For more than a year 91´«Ã½’s Executive Board and 91´«Ã½ Management have engaged in a review of how to strategically utilize 91´«Ã½ headquarters real estate and recently began to work with real estate expert Cushman & Wakefield (C&W).

Since February of 2018, 91´«Ã½ has worked with C&W to examine what works, what doesn’t work, and what features might be required to create an improved work environment. Conversations and onsite surveys resulted in a Workplace Assessment and Scenario Analysis. In addition to significant financial analysis, C&W’s study found:

• The current headquarters configuration – on multiple floors in two buildings – makes collaboration difficult and potentially stymies innovation;
• Moving to a more efficient workspace would reduce occupancy costs – cost savings that could then be used to support mission-forward Association functions; and
• 91´«Ã½ Headquarters has been and could again be a considerable source of pride for both staff and members -- but in its current condition falls short.

Workplace Assessment and Scenario Analysis results were reviewed by the 91´«Ã½ Executive Board during the 2018 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans.

Next steps will include determining the current market value of 91´«Ã½’s headquarters space; engaging an architect to further define 91´«Ã½’s workplace requirements at a more detailed level; and to explore opportunities to purchase or lease space elsewhere in the downtown Chicago area.

91´«Ã½ Management will continue to work with C&W on this process, with consultation with and decisions by the 91´«Ã½ Executive Board at each step. 91´«Ã½ staff will continue to add to the conversation by offering additional input regarding workplace requirements.

About 91´«Ã½

91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice of libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit . To make a contribution to support our work, visit ala.org/donate.