Chicago's Leading Set Designer, Chicago Scenic Studios, Moves to Goose Island
New location triples company's facilities
October 20, 2000 - Alderman Ted Matlak and Assistant Commissioner Bill Trumbull will join Bob Doepel, president of Chicago Scenic Studios, Inc. at a sign raising ceremony on November 9 at 3 PM to celebrate the company's recent relocation to Goose Island.

The design/build/management firm, which has designed and built sets, backdrops and exhibits for clients including the 1996 and 2000 Democratic National Conventions, World Cup Soccer, Radio City Christmas Spectacular, General Motors, Coca-Cola, DisneyQuest, and Navy Pier, moved to its new 140,000-square-foot facility this summer, tripling its size to accommodate the company's growth.

"Our former facility just wasn't big enough to accommodate all the business that was coming in the door," said Doepel. In 1999, CSSI's business grew 40%, grossing $10 million in revenue. CSSI remains the leader in set building and design in Chicago, and ranks in the top five nationwide.

The new facility was financed through the City of Chicago's industrial revenue bond program which offers long-term financing at lower interest rates than conventional financing.

"The city's robust manufacturing sector is becoming stronger every day thanks to our financial incentives that suit the needs of growth-oriented Chicago companies," Mayor Daley said. "The City's economic development tools help companies like CSSI to meet their goals, while creating jobs for our residents."

"CSSI and its neighboring Chicago companies have made Goose Island one of the city's best business success stories," Commissioner Chris Hill said. "Projects like these are key economic development opportunities that revitalize and strengthen our neighborhoods."

The facility currently accommodates a staff of more than 50 full- and part-time painters, designers, builders, carpenters, and managers. In the upcoming months, staff in each department is expected to increase by at least 50%.

"It's a great time for Chicago Scenic," Doepel said. "Our new facility will allow us to expand and improve efficiency. We'll also be able to expand the scope of services to our customers."