Recent social media posts
06/24/2026
Don’t trash your old batteries, recycle them! The Plant is now a collection site for The Battery Network -- read more about the Illinois legislation that makes safe battery recycling *free*.
We are accepting primary (single-use) and rechargeable batteries as listed here: https://batterynetwork.org/battery-basics/what-to-recycle/
06/19/2026
We're excited to announce that we've received a Designing a Better Chicago Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Built Environment Grant from the Design Museum of Chicago for our energy visualization work with DePaul University's SPARK Center!
Our project transforms invisible waste heat into a tracked, managed resource at The Plant. Through deploying a sensor network, this project includes a real-time open-source "digital twin” of the building that visualizes real-time energy flows, while using this data to inform a heat pump system that will redistribute, consume, and store waste heat throughout the building.
The grant for this project will allow us to complete the public-facing component of the project, including an online model and an interactive lobby display that will allow anyone to see the digital twin's real-time temperature flows at The Plant. Our model is nearing completion, stay tuned for updates!
06/18/2026
Been meaning to stop by The Plant? Make a day out of visiting this summer! We've extended the hours of the Packingtown Museum to include Sundays.
Come by to learn more about the industrial history and cultural heritage of Chicago’s Union Stock Yard and surrounding neighborhoods, providing thoughtful historical lessons that mirror modern issues.
06/09/2026
Turtles are back! We've gotten our wetlands cleaned up so Justine and Laflin could officially return home today-- Laflin is filmed here playing with the waterfall and scaring away fish!
06/05/2026
The Vegan Museum is back in The Plant's lobby for a three-month residency. Stop by to learn about the history of veganism and vegetarianism!
06/04/2026
Visit Whiskey Row Café, a popup coffee and sandwich shop on Sundays in the lobby of The Plant! The Packingtown Museum will also be open during café hours, stop by their grand opening this Sunday, make a day of it!
06/03/2026
Welcome Little Press to The Plant! Little Press is a small-batch Chicago coffee roaster. The name Little Press is inspired by the owner Dylan's graphic design background and the small scale of the operation. Beans are roasted and delivered by bicycle by Dylan across Chicago, rain or shine!
06/02/2026
Check out Bike a Bee in the news! After a massive number of bees swarmed a front yard in minutes, Jana came to the rescue to save the colony and educate residents on bee behavior, creating an unforgettable experience for the neighborhood. Click the link here to read the full story: https://bit.ly/3Qh4V2H
06/01/2026
Join Farm Sanctuary for their 40th Anniversary Celebration on Sat. June 6. Enjoy a special discussion with Farm Sanctuary President and Co-Founder, Gene Baur. Eats and drinks will include vegan hot dogs from Upton’s Naturals (a nod to Farm Sanctuary’s early days selling meatless hot dogs at Grateful Dead concerts), along with a variety of delicious plant-based bites from Meet Stop by SteMartaen! Grab your tickets at this link: https://bit.ly/3PF2s1W
A public tour of The Plant will also be offered, visit insidetheplant.com for tickets.
Address
1400 W 46th Street
Chicago, IL
60609
Public Transport:
- Take the CTA Green Line to the Garfield station.
- Transfer to the #55 bus heading northbound.
- Get off at W 46th Street and walk east.
Driving/Parking:
- From downtown Chicago, take I-90/94 South.
- Take exit 57B for Garfield Blvd.
- Turn left onto W Garfield Blvd.
- Turn right onto S Halsted St.
- Turn left onto W 46th Street.
- Parking is available on the street or in nearby parking lots.
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What people say
The Plant on W 46th Street in Chicago is a true gem in the local business scene, offering a unique and innovative concept that sets it apart from the rest. This collaborative research and production facility is home to a diverse range of small food businesses, all united by a common goal of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
What makes The Plant truly special is its commitment to reimagining waste as a resource and implementing closed-loop systems to minimize environmental impact. By showcasing techniques for achieving economies of scale and incubating small businesses, The Plant serves as a beacon of inspiration for others looking to combat climate change through practical solutions.
The story behind The Plant's inception is equally inspiring, with Bubbly Dynamics transforming a former meatpacking plant into a thriving hub for food and farming businesses. This bold vision not only revitalized the building but also brought much-needed jobs to an underserved community, making a tangible difference in the fight against food deserts.
With indoor and outdoor farms, breweries, coffee roasters, chocolate makers, algae R&D labs, and more under one roof, The Plant offers visitors a truly immersive experience in the world of sustainable food production. Whether you're looking to support local businesses or simply explore innovative approaches to sustainability, The Plant is definitely worth a visit.
