MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Connect Coworx was created to be a downtown hub where local businesses could find connection, collaboration, and community.
It’s “working.”
The coworking space, 181 E. Center Street, has been open about a year. Its mission is to offer startups and small businesses the amenities of a large office without the price tag, plus other perks associated with a shared workplace.
“This was a really cool project in partnership with JobsOhio,” said Courtney Danner, community manager for Connect Coworx. “The idea is to basically have an inspirational space, an environment where you feel energized to get your job done.”
The 9,000-square-foot building, owned by the Henry Development Group in Marion, has three anchor tenants – the accounting firm of Holbrook & Manter, Dostal & Kirk Insurance & Financial Services, and Roth Bacon Moon Attorneys, she said.
In addition to two cafes, it gives members access to Wi-Fi, printing services, and networking events, Danner said. Conference rooms can also be rented to companies planning to host special events. “So, we’ve seen a lot of traction with that.”
Since a portion of the two-story structure dates to the late 1800’s, many of the historic features were preserved during the renovation project, Danner said. A more modern vibe, however, is showcased on the first floor of the office center.
Glass-enclosed suites, updated lighting, dedicated desks, and other renovations were also made to transform the space and make it unique, she said, with the addition of a courtyard in the rear, which doubles as an outdoor work area.
As the website states, “We studied dozens of coworking and flex workspaces in other communities throughout Ohio and beyond, and we took a little bit of what we loved from each of them, along with a few new ideas, to create Connect Coworx.”
The building is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to members, while office suite tenants have round-the-clock access, Danner said. Tours can be scheduled online, along with bookings for meeting rooms.
Danner said she hopes the concept will continue to spread. “For the price of a cup of coffee, you can have a community of co-workers even if you work alone or satellite. It’s a way to grow your skill set and knowledge, just by talking to others in the building.”