THE STORY

Founded in 2015, Hazel Technologies is a biotech startup that develops new solutions to extend the quality shelf life of fresh produce and reduce food waste. The two-floor, 54,000 SF office and research space in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood serves as the company’s headquarters and one of the largest agricultural technology laboratories in the city, among behemoths like University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory and UIC.

Chicago ranks sixth in the nation for job growth in the life sciences vertical market, according to Crain’s Chicago Business. “’Part of what’s contributing to job growth in Chicago’s life sciences sector is that more startups coming out of nearby research universities are staying here because there’s more available lab space,’ says John Conrad, President and CEO of the Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization.” This certainly holds true for Hazel, founded by five Northwestern University graduates on a mission to build sustainable food supply chain solutions.

When it comes to furnishing corporate interiors, we understand striking a harmony among a company’s brand, mission, and the needs and output of its talent. We became involved with Hazel following a history of successful life science projects at Lincoln Yards and Fulton Labs and a longstanding relationship with the building owner at 320 N Sangamon, Tishman Speyer.

In the open area, Hazel’s brand is boldly infused into the workspace. The Teknion Cityline Fence—accommodating, not only power & data, but also a 72” wide planter with waterproof plant liner—runs seamlessly along hiSpace height-adjustable workstations. Though Hazel’s space is office and lab-focused, traditionally thought of as clinical and grey, Perkins&Will and Office Revolution carry the company’s bright, organic aesthetic throughout…from the biophilic design sprouting from behind banquette seating in the café to the cactus colored Global Prefer conference room chairs, to the fruit-forward filming across the Teknion Tek Vue conference walls. Even the pristine, sparkling white lab space encapsulates young growth with grass green architectural millwork and matching upholstered Teknion Variable Multi-Purpose Stools.

“’Hazel is proud to add another chapter to Chicago’s rich history of homegrown innovation,’ Hazel CEO and co-founder Aidan Mouat tells Perishable News. ‘It wasn’t too long ago, when we were Northwestern students with little more than a big idea and a lot of ambition. Today, Hazel Technologies is in 13 different countries, working with many of the world’s biggest food growers and suppliers. We’ve made incredible progress in the fight against global food waste. This new office space will help us grow, innovate, and scale our mission to even greater heights.’”