We need a new home!

Barbara K.
Oct 12
3 min read

After 6 great years at the Envision Unlimited Frick Center, it is time for CCRx to find a new home! Where will it be?

Relocation for Growth and Sustainability .

Who We Are

The Creative Chicago Reuse Exchange (CCRx) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit launched in 2017 with a mission to keep good things out of the landfill and into the hands of people who can use them. We collect clean, safe, usable surplus materials that we redistribute for free or low cost to Chicago teachers, nonprofits, arts organizations, and community groups. Our creative reuse workshops and programs spark environmental stewardship, artistic exploration, and innovation across Chicago.

Our Need

After six years of growth and development in our current space in Auburn-Gresham, we must relocate our warehouse operations and creative reuse programming to a more transit-friendly, centrally located building where we will recirculate, resell and sometimes reimagine everything from art materials + office supplies to books, sewing machines, sports and science equipment. Workshops, making and special events will be held year round.

Our Goal

To lease a centrally located, accessible space where we can reach new audiences and grow our impact. We are especially interested in opportunities to repurpose unused retail or commercial space in collaboration with community partners.

5-10,000 s.f. Commercial or Industrial space
Near transit and highways
Near South, Central or West preferred
Parking for 5-10 cars
Loading dock access
ADA accessible
Below market rate, at least to start

A Hub of Collaboration CCRx is more than a donation center — it’s a thriving hub where organizations, educators, and artists come together to share resources and build capacity. We proudly work with:

Social Service organizations to provide programming and employment
Chicago Public Schools & Chicago Park District to offer arts-based reuse programs
Small and midsize nonprofits to help them stretch resources and stay resilient

Community Benefits

Filling Gaps CCRx is like a combination of a Michael’s, an Office Depot, a Costco, and a thrift store -- a welcome addition to any neighborhood.
Inspiring Creativity CCRx presents creative reuse workshops for all ages, interests and skill sets on site and as pop-ups throughout Chicago
Making Connections Unlike a traditional retail store, CCRx cultivates connections, dialogue and experimentation through programs and our ethos of a sharing, circular economy
Entrepreneurship CCRx caters to small businesses and start ups, providing affordable supplies and equipment as well as community.
Collaboration CCRx is eager and interested to collaborate.
A Destination CCRx will attract donors, shoppers, volunteers and workshop participants from across Chicagoland, strengthening other retail and programmatic enterprises.

Our current space

2024 Impact At A Glance

83,300 lbs of surplus materials diverted from landfill
Distributed to hundreds of educators, arts, social service groups and students
Supports employment & programs for adults with developmental disabilities
Reuse-based programming in Chicago Park District & Chicago Public Schools
50+ workshops, repair & making events foster creativity, skills and community

In challenging times, our partnerships have become lifelines — helping others stay mission-focused and community-connected.

Material Donors BCBSIL, DNC Host Committee, Kurtis Productions, Chicago Fire, Chicago Architecture Biennial, Go Green Northfield, Evanston/Skokie District 65, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago Fair Trade, Chicago Dept of Public Health, VSA Partners, Field Museum, Art Institute of Chicago, and many more.
Shoppers include teachers from Chicago public, charter and private schools, as well as arts nonprofits, community groups, individual artists, families, social service providers and entrepreneurs.
Volunteers Corporate, community, school and church groups, plus Chicago Cares, Honeycomb Projects and Volunteering Untapped.
Funders include Illinois Arts Council, Chicago DCASE, Chicago Park District, Harper Court Arts Council, CCT Safe and Peaceful Communities Fund, Art Works Fund and Artspace Immersion.
Sparking Creativity CCRx presented 56 creative reuse workshops on site and in parks, schools and community areas throughout Chicago’s South and West sides.