It's a pretty fantastic place as long as you aren't an asshole.read more

From the owner: We are a collaborative community of people driven to foster an environment for the exploration of…read morethe intersections between technology, art and culture. Over 11,000 square feet of tools, equipment, technology, art with over 500 members. Fully member-run, all-volunteer, non-profit. You'll find 3D printers, laser cutters, welding, wood shop, metal shop, arts and crafts and electronics areas with something on our event calendar just about every day.

I recommend them for someone who has knowledge and needs a good atmosphere garage to work in. I…read morehave a volkswagen. I was able to do my brakes there, main coolant hose, among other things.

Great customer service and they have all the tools you need to complete your job successfullyread more

The Idea Realization Lab (IRL) at DePaul is a maker space for members of the DePaul community…read more DePaul students, staff, faculty, and alumni are able to use this space. They have various workshops and there is open time to use the lab too. This one is located on the Loop campus next to the Hospitality department in Driehaus. I was here for a workshop that is required to be authorized to use some of the equipment, and no one else came so they were able to show me the equipment as planned plus a few other items. I'm hoping to come in and get a bit more practice on some of the equipment so I can feel a bit more comfortable using it, and maybe the something small in hopes that I might prepare myself to work on a more substantial project I have in mind.

Cuuuuuute alert! For all you artsy crafty mavens out there, this is your stop. It's a shop filled…read morewith a well-curated selection of paper goods, books, coloring books, custom art, fabric lamp shades, and gifts in varying price points. From the second I walked in, I was engulfed by a most delightful smell, perhaps a candle burning somewhere? I was greeted by the owner's assistant, Kate, who gave me an overview of the shop and some of the classes they offer in the back, like coptic bookbinding, collage, crafting, and self-motivation classes. They also have a meet up group called The Grown*Up Girls Club where you can meet up with other like-minded individuals and explore new art/craft/maker techniques. The Club meets the second Sunday of every month. The Collage Cafe is a newer business located in an adorable corridor mixed with other art-inspired shops. You can go door to door and visit each one while you're at it! Can't wait to stop back in. But, as I'm writing this, when I go back I realize the selection is too overwhelming for my taste (in a good way of course) because I want one of everything.

One day my young daughters and I where walking by and came in into this beautiful place, what a…read morewonderful store! The owner is such a great lady, great host, kind and knowledgeable. I scheduled a coloring evening for a group of friends from church. We had a delightful experience! The place was set up with a wide variety of water colors, wood colors pencils, markers, etc. the pages provided were also varied, from really intricate to more simple so we were all able to pick something that suited our taste and level of artistry. We already scheduled another event and are looking forward to it. Definitely a great place for gifts, classes and more.

I joined Fox.Build in June of this year (2023), and I typically work here about three or four days…read morea week. I enjoy the opportunity to come in at all hours (sometimes I need to finish a project late at night). The other members who work here are friendly, down-to-earth, and actually really fascinating. I use Fox.Build for coworking, which is a good way to get out of the house, get around others who are working hard (sometimes it's good to have that buzz of activity going on around you), and be in the middle of the walkable downtown of St. Charles. 5/5 would recommend.

Have been a member since February. Really enjoy the camaraderie and advice in growing my business…read more I work out of fox build 3 days a week. Great selection of tools in the shop

So happy to have made a trip out to the Tool Library. The entrance was a little tricky- in the…read morealley but there are signs leading the way. Once inside I took a quick look at all the tools available for rent (lawn mowers, sanders, paint supplies, even a kitchen aid mixer) and I quickly made a trek to the back of the library to the seed collection. The tool library is providing free seeds for gardening and the selection is enormous. I grabbed several tomato varieties, peppers, herbs, and a handful of wildflowers. Everything is free but there is a suggested limit of 10 packets per person. I'm excited to start gardening and very grateful for this program!

This is hands down one of the coolest places in Chicago! It's a bit of a hike to get all the way…read moreout to Humboldt Park, but CTL has everything from wood planers to tents, and since it operates just like any other library, that means it's also free. I just happened to be there as the owner was subbing for a cashier, and as we were talking, it was so apparent that they love what they do - their energy and enthusiasm for serving Chicago exuded from them and made me excited to be there too. Since most people don't have the space or money to afford their own tools and equipment everytime they need something done, this is an essential resource in any city, and one that I frequent. You can go in person to pick out what you want, but I would suggest going online first the reserve what you need. Once all your items are available, you get an email notification, and you can just go out and pick your items up. You also get a week to return everything, but if you have circumstances that would prevent this, you can let them know and they are more than happy to accommodate an extension. Definitely check this place out next time you have a project you need equipment for!