The Aspen Group Headquarters
Relocating from upstate New York to Chicago’s dynamic Fulton Market district, The Aspen Group’s new headquarters marks a transformative chapter for the company. Strategically positioned in this bustling urban hub, the headquarters not only serves as a central workplace for over 500 corporate staff and executives but also as a national training center for dental professionals. The move to this innovative neighborhood reflects their forward-thinking approach and commitment to fostering growth, collaboration, and connection.
From the moment you enter, the space speaks to their identity—welcoming, playful, and community-driven. Every element, from the custom materials to the layout of the vertical stack, is intentionally crafted to inspire creativity, interaction, and a sense of belonging. It’s a space that not only meets the functional needs of the business but also tells the story of who Aspen is and where they are headed.
With a headquarters spanning nine floors, fostering cultural connectedness was a challenge. The solution? A strategically placed stadium stair at the heart of the entry floor, physically and visually linking the upper-level cafe and barista bar with the two training floors below. More than just a circulation element, the stair becomes a dynamic social hub where Aspen’s staff and visiting dental professionals naturally cross paths, creating the energy and cultural mix the company envisioned.
The headquarters’ material palette is a blend of Aspen’s brand identity and the industrial character of Chicago’s Fulton Market. Natural and stained blue plywood – a signature element – infuses warmth while subtly reinforcing Aspen’s recognizable blue. Felt baffles enhance acoustics while adding texture, and copper and black metal details provide contrast against the exposed concrete structure, creating a workplace that feels inviting, modern, and unmistakably Aspen.
