Our Space at Horace Mann Plaza
A modern, light-filled hub for innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship — right in the heart of downtown Springfield.
Welcome Lobby
Step off the elevator into our bright, welcoming lobby — a central hub where members check in, greet guests, and connect with the Innovate Springfield team. This space sets the tone for collaboration and community from the moment you arrive.
Open Coworking
Our main coworking floor gives you room to spread out, plug in, and get work done — whether you’re here for an hour or all day.
- First-come, first-served desks and tables
- Fast Wi-Fi and easy access to outlets
- Standing-height and seated workstations
Lounge & Breakout Areas
Step away from your desk to take a call, meet a collaborator, or just recharge in the sun with views of downtown Springfield.
Dedicated Desks
Perfect for one person who wants a consistent home base, our dedicated desks provide your own workstation with lockable storage and room to grow.
- Private, assigned desk with secure storage
- Built-in power and data ports for easy connectivity
- Power access, monitor space, and shelving
- Includes 24/7 access and shared amenities
Team Pods & Windowed Desks
For small teams of two or more, team pods combine multiple dedicated desks side-by-side — creating a shared workspace with collaboration in mind. Many are positioned along our large windows for natural light and views of downtown Springfield.
- Two or more dedicated desks grouped together
- Each station includes power and data ports
- Ideal for small teams or co-founders
- Space for extra monitors, whiteboards, and seating
Private Offices
Our fully furnished private offices provide a quiet, professional space to focus, meet clients, and take calls — all with stunning views overlooking the Horace Mann Koi pond and both the Old and New State Capitols. It’s an inspiring workspace where Springfield’s history and innovation literally meet your window view.
- Lockable office with desk, chair, and secure storage
- Floor-to-ceiling windows with skyline and pond views
- Built-in power and data port access at every workstation
- Includes coworking, conference room, and classroom access
Conference Room
Host board meetings, client presentations, strategy sessions, and hybrid calls in our fully equipped conference room with privacy, professional A/V, and a polished setting for your most important conversations.
- Capacity: up to 12 people
- Technology: rolling TV with HDMI / USB / ethernet input
- Extras: mobile whiteboard and flexible table layout
Additional Conference Rooms – Horace Mann 6th Floor
Through our partnership with Horace Mann, Innovate Springfield members have access to additional conference rooms located on the building’s 6th floor. These rooms offer a quieter, more private environment that’s ideal for small meetings, interviews, or focused sessions — available upon request and availability. To inquire about reserving one of these rooms, please email innovatespringfield@uis.edu.
- Capacity: up to 6 people
- Technology: wall-mounted TV with HDMI / USB / ethernet input
- Environment: quieter setting with greater privacy
- Access: available to Innovate Springfield members by reservation
Classroom & Event Space
Our classroom and event space is a bright, flexible environment designed for workshops, trainings, and community gatherings. The room adapts easily from classroom-style sessions to panels and presentations, offering inspiring skyline views and hybrid-ready technology for seamless collaboration.
- Capacity: up to 32 participants in classroom-style setup
- Expanded Layout: accommodates up to 100 attendees when tables are removed for a half-circle or presentation-style arrangement
- Technology: two wall-mounted TVs that mirror each other using Apple TV, allowing presenters to cast wirelessly from any device
- Features: whiteboards, flexible furniture, and panoramic downtown views
- Access: available to Innovate Springfield members and partners by reservation
Horace Mann Plaza Amenities
In addition to Innovate Springfield’s 3rd-floor workspace, our members enjoy access to several shared amenities located on the 6th floor of Horace Mann Plaza — including the 1945 Café, the Skyline Room, and a reservable classroom — as well as the Lincoln Auditorium on the 1st floor, both available upon request and pending availability.
1945 Café
The 1945 Café on the 6th floor is a cozy, full-service café where members can grab breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack without leaving the building. The café offers daily specials as well as regular menu items like salads, fries, breakfast favorites, and more.
To explore what’s on the menu today, simply scan one of the QR codes posted throughout the building to view the latest offerings and specials.
Coffee & Beverage Station
Located beside the 1945 Café, the beverage station provides coffee, soda, and water for members throughout the day — a convenient spot to recharge or network in a relaxed setting.
Skyline Room
The Skyline Room offers sweeping city views and flexible configurations for workshops, luncheons, or community events. Members can request to reserve this space upon availability through the Innovate Springfield team.
6th Floor Classroom
The 6th Floor Classroom features flexible seating, A/V access, and presentation screens — ideal for trainings, workshops, panels, or large meetings. Members can reserve these spaces upon request and pending availability.
Lincoln Auditorium
The Lincoln Auditorium on the 1st floor features flexible seating, A/V access, and presentation screens — ideal for trainings, workshops, panels, or large meetings. Members can reserve this space upon request and pending availability.
Please note that the Lincoln Auditorium is fully integrated with Microsoft Teams for virtual and hybrid meetings, allowing seamless video conferencing, screen sharing, and live presentations.