Thursday, February 18, 2010

Coworking in Austin: Cospace

Yesterday, Cospace opened its doors at 911 W. Anderson Ln, Ste 203. It's at the southwest corner of Anderson and Lamar, just across from the iconic bingo parlor.
Unlike the other coworking spaces in Austin, this one is in an office park. Other businesses in the building include a video game store, some restaurants, and the Whataburger Learning Center.

From Coworking: Cospace

Here it is, on the second floor: Suite 203. They haven't put up a sign yet.


From Coworking: Cospace
But as you get closer, you see the familiar sticker:

From Coworking: Cospace
Cospace occupies an office that belonged to a graphic design firm for many years. Two vintage drafting tables still stand at the entrance.


From Coworking: Cospace

Peek around the wall and you see an expansive open-plan space with high ceilings, plenty of natural light, and tables that are already being filled. As the space expands, Andrew and Kirtus tell me, they will simply add more tables.



From Coworking: Cospace

From Coworking: Cospace


Along one wall, cubbies present a slightly more private environment with locking cabinets.

From Coworking: Cospace


A "fishbowl" breakroom is here too. Glass walls mean that you can socialize (or make phone calls) in relative quiet, while still seeing everyone.

From Coworking: Cospace


From Coworking: Cospace


Cospace has a variety of spaces available. If you need a private office, one is being rented out, but others are up for grabs. This one is serving as a temporary space for furniture.
From Coworking: Cospace


This one is a small conference room.
From Coworking: Cospace


And here's the larger conference room, which will soon have a projector - and an XBox.
From Coworking: Cospace


If you've seen the other coworking spaces in Austin, you'll notice how different this one is. It has a less eclectic, more businesslike feel and more mixed spaces. It is more similar to a traditional office environment, and I could easily see coworkers having meetings with relatively conservative clients here. At the same time, the natural light floods in - I don't think they even bothered with the overhead lights - and the atmosphere is friendly and open. Proprietors and coworkers alike were palpably excited. They see possibilities all over the place: from hosting meetings to holding social events to simply hanging out and bonding. If you're interested in coworking and live on the north side, I highly recommend you check it out.