The Plant

When I first caught wind of a sustainable, hydroponics based farm share inhabiting an old meat processing plant in an industrial park on the south side of Chicago I was THRILLED. I immediately did some research, backed their kickstarter to help fund much needed building improvements, and signed up for the weekly CSA.
While the CSA is considerably over-​priced for the quantity and quality of what you get each week, I thought it worthwhile (if not noble) to help a budding business with such a seemingly altruistic approach to providing a community with good healthy food.
Alas, I was severely disappointed in the lack of flexibility and professionalism throughout my entire experience (which is going on 3+ months). One andecodtal story — Recently I was not able to pick up my farm share on the scheduled Tuesday, and decided to instead come by the alternate time that Saturday. Granted I was in the wrong here, and should have given them a heads up that I would be coming on a Saturday instead of the agreed upon Tuesday, but they gave you the choice as to which day you would want to pick up, so I figured switching days once during the session wouldn’t be that big of a deal. I was mistaken — after 30 minutes of scrambling and making phone calls while I sat waiting I was ultimately sent away empty handed (Which is incredible to me considering you are inside the building where ALL OF THE FOOD IS GROWN when you pick up your share). Even more frustrating, my pre-​paid farm share was given away or disposed of when I did not pick it up on Tuesday without so much as phone-​call from The Plant. Not quite what I expected from an organisation which advertised as «a small CSA we’re able to provide exceptional customer service, so you are totally satisfied» when I cut the first $ 243 check.
As result of the experience above, I decided not to pursue the remaining portion of the farm share, and asked to be reimbursed for the weeks ahead that I had already paid for but did not wish to receive. The response I received was terse and condescending — I was informed that there would be no such refund, but they would be happy to stop making my box each week if that is what I wanted.
It is unfortunate that a business would begin its life treating customers like this, and I felt it was important to share this story to help save people a similar frustration — not to mention lose out on a meaningful amount of money.

Good amount of education. Decent rate (s). Mindful. Bldg and tenants are still a work in progress. Tour Guides are very knowledgeable, and seem to know every nooks and crannies that is going on, about and everything.
NOTE: Good amount of stairs up and down.
Public Tour — highlighted event of the bldg. It gives you an appreciation of the solidly build sturdy stairs with a perfect even shape. I’m so glad the bldg is repurposed. Great insulation.
Behind the Scenes Mushroom Tour — slight discount if you take both tours. Minute overlap of information. You get a free bag of mushrooms — yahoo! Will be increasing mushroom production. Super! I like mushrooms. A high tech science lab meets recycled materials.
Farmers Market — every Saturday. Since there are 2 bakeries at The Plant, breads are available as well.
Plant Chicago CSA — check website for info.
Store — to come. Just raised $ 65k for décor/​renovation. Shall sell products from tenants in bldg.
I look forward to the Build-​Your-​Own Home Aquaponics System!

Though they’re still working on expanding, this place had a lot of tidbits of knowledge. the tour had a decent amount of knowledge and it was cool of the random employees here and there to answer any questions we had.
I look forward to seeing how this place progresses as they seem to have a lot of big visions for this place.

The bf wants to get into aquaponics so he wanted to check out the Plant. They offered tours so we ordered some tickets online. There was a time to which the tour was due to start but they delayed the start because they were waiting for another group. That group was part of some class that must have required participation. They all asked the same questions throughout the tour. Very annoying.
There was a lot of things in progress but there were two bakeries up and running. The staff were very friendly and clearly knowledgeable.

Great place to get away from the city life and stretch your green thumbs. One of the best places in Chicago to see aquaponics and indoor food growing. Volunteering is great fun.