The Plant Chicago is a non-profit organization with a mission to develop circular economies of food production, energy conservation and material re-use, while encouraging individuals to make their cities healthier and more efficient. To further support this effort, Plant Chicago purchased a 93,500 sq. ft. former meat packing facility in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood to repurpose into a net zero energy vertical farm and business incubator known as 'The Plant'. The Plant is home to several different farm businesses and start-ups that make up the business incubator, while offering educational programming and tours to demonstrate the sustainable ways in which food production in an urban environment can happen. Through methodical deconstruction and preservation, The Plant re-used about 80% of the existing structure.