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Last week we featured an article about the grand opening of a new coworking space in the Short North called Sandbox. But that’s not the only place that coworking can be found in Columbus. There are three other spaces located in and around the downtown area that have either recently opened or are opening soon for your coworking needs. Most offer similar amenities and have similar rates, but each has a few unique features, so at least one of them is likely to strike your fancy.
Qwirk – Qwirk is located above G. Michael’s on Third Street in German Village and offers longer-term monthly space, daily drop-in rates, as well as an option in between for anyone looking to cowork a few days per week. Qwirk is laid out to provide both a community area for collaboration as well as separate office rooms for those looking for more privacy. Amenities include a fully-equipped conference room, smaller meeting rooms, wifi, ethernet, print/fax/copy station, and kitchen. More info online at QwirkColumbus.com.
Corkboard – Corkboard is a new space opening soon at 116 E. Long Street near B1 Bicycles. They’re also offering multiple flexible plans for both monthly workers who need a dedicated space and drop-in rates for those who want more of an occasional escape from their home office. More info can be online at CorkboardColumb.us.
Downtown Tech Center – The Downtown Tech Center is located at 423 E. Town Street and is home to several office spaces that can be rented by the month, day, or hour. Amenities include fully-equipped large and small conference rooms, off-street parking, break room, common area, WiFi internet, and VoIP phone services. More information can be found online at DowntownTechCenter.com.
As more coworking spaces come online, we’ll be sure to post updates and links to more resources. If you’ve got any info to share on spaces that we’ve missed, feel free to post it below.
I’m all about this, as soon as I remember to actually do it, I need to drop my lease off with some bucks to Sandbox. I probably need actual office space like 3 times a month, which makes them a LIFE SAVER!
I’ll probably try out the offices at Sandbox when they open..
NICE! Me & Coyote as office buddies. I warn you, I may shoot you with paperclips launched by rubber bands.
For those considering the Downtown Tech Center, one nice thing to keep in mind is the secure access … magnetic locks on the main doors after hours, keycode entry, and doors for every space. It’s also right across the street from the Old Deaf School Park / Topiary garden, and there’s a lot of parking around here too. Some people have asked if it’s like an incubator, but I think crucible seems more fitting…a great space to both mix with other tech heads but also get plenty of work done. I think it’s great (and already moved in!)
Jelly Columbus has casual coworking days at most of these places, if you want to get a free sample of the coworking experience. Most places offer a trial day pass too.
I’ve actually got a handful of trial cards for both Qwirk and Sandbox to pass out to anyone who wants to give them a shot. Guess I should bring them to next week’s CU Happy Hour at Nida’s. ;)
Via Email:
Hi everyone,
Just thought you’d like to hear about a spur-of-the-moment event we’re having at Qwirk. Friday from noon to 4, I’m going to connect my laptop to the HD TV (we don’t have cable here at the coworking space) and test out a few streaming sources. We’ll watch the Kansas game and then test out a few sites to try and find global soccer and other fun stuff. If you’re interested in getting some work done while fiddling with streaming and watching great sports, then come on down. Free to attend.
Pass it on.
Cheers,
Neal Roberts
Founder and cat herder
Qwirk
Thanks Walker! Neal from Qwirk here. So good to see that coworking is gaining momentum around our city. Having met Dave and Bryce, I’m very stoked to collaborate with our pals and neighbors. Anyway we can drive innovation in Columbus is a wonderful thing.
Just a quick note too that anyone can come “test drive” Qwirk for free. Your first time working here is on us. No need to call in advance, just come on down. Cheers!
Corkboard, QWIRK, Sandbox, The DEC and Jelly Columbus featured in Columbus Dispatch Sunday http://is.gd/opIx
Some nice press for Columbus Coworkers in USA Today:
Entrepreneurs eye trendy co-ops
Posted 4/5/2009
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Leaving the cubicle for the comfort of working at home is a dream come true for many former office drones. But then the reality of spending each day at home sets in.
Some new central Ohio businesses are betting people like Kevin Dwinnell will pay to get out.
“After many years of corporate life, it took about two months of working out of my attic to realize I miss people,” said Dwinnell, director of product and marketing for BrandThunder, a startup with no central office.
Three Columbus facilities are opening this spring to take advantage of that desire to work around other people. Co-working spaces, a trend from the coasts, is making its way to the Midwest, helped along, in part, by the recession.
“A lot of people think now is the chance to pursue their dreams,” Neal Roberts said. “For people who are looking for work or to change their careers, a space like this is an affordable way to make connections or start or grow a company.”
READ MORE
Another space in Olde Towne East (corner of Parsons & Oak):
http://indiehousecolumbus.com