So, an amazing opportunity has fallen into our laps that would allow us to open a second coworking location a couple miles away from our existing location. We make a pretty heavy emphasis on community here, so I’ve never been super keen on the idea of multiple locations (versus expanding to larger spaces as needed) but for a variety of reasons this new space makes a lot of sense. We’re contemplating it, but I wanted to check with any other space operators to find out any advice / tips / pitfalls related to multiple spaces, specifically as it relates to making sure the community doesn’t become fragmented.
I would have the new one focus on something different, like more event space(s), meeting rooms, cafe seating or whatever. Have a reason for people to want to visit both.
JEROME CHANG
Mid-Wilshire
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) | Los Angeles CA 90036
ph: (323) 330-9505
Downtown
529 S. Broadway, Suite 4000 (@Pershing Square) | Los Angeles CA 90013
ph: (213) 550-2235
···
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, Andy Soell [email protected] wrote:
So, an amazing opportunity has fallen into our laps that would allow us to open a second coworking location a couple miles away from our existing location. We make a pretty heavy emphasis on community here, so I’ve never been super keen on the idea of multiple locations (versus expanding to larger spaces as needed) but for a variety of reasons this new space makes a lot of sense. We’re contemplating it, but I wanted to check with any other space operators to find out any advice / tips / pitfalls related to multiple spaces, specifically as it relates to making sure the community doesn’t become fragmented.
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Downtown
529 S. Broadway, Suite 4000 (@Pershing Square) | Los Angeles CA 90013
ph: (213) 550-2235
Mid-Wilshire
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) | Los Angeles CA 90036
ph: (323) 330-9505
Jerome, I’m glad to hear you say that, because the spaces are very different; Our existing space is very raw—concrete floors, exposed ductwork, very open, slightly echoey—and the new one is much more modern and “plush.” I can see a lot of our existing members working at the new location on the days they have client meetings, because the space is significantly more impressive. I think the challenge is to ensure that new members who sign up primarily for the second space have a good reason to come down to the “less polished” one.
···
On May 13, 2014, at 11:41 AM, Jerome Chang [email protected] wrote:
I would have the new one focus on something different, like more event space(s), meeting rooms, cafe seating or whatever. Have a reason for people to want to visit both.
JEROME CHANG
Mid-Wilshire
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) | Los Angeles CA 90036
ph: (323) 330-9505
Downtown
529 S. Broadway, Suite 4000 (@Pershing Square) | Los Angeles CA 90013
ph: (213) 550-2235
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, Andy Soell [email protected] wrote:
So, an amazing opportunity has fallen into our laps that would allow us to open a second coworking location a couple miles away from our existing location. We make a pretty heavy emphasis on community here, so I’ve never been super keen on the idea of multiple locations (versus expanding to larger spaces as needed) but for a variety of reasons this new space makes a lot of sense. We’re contemplating it, but I wanted to check with any other space operators to find out any advice / tips / pitfalls related to multiple spaces, specifically as it relates to making sure the community doesn’t become fragmented.
–
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Downtown
529 S. Broadway, Suite 4000 (@Pershing Square) | Los Angeles CA 90013
ph: (213) 550-2235
Mid-Wilshire
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) | Los Angeles CA 90036ph: (323) 330-9505
–
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Hi Andy!
Between Creative Blueprint and Foundery we had 3 locations within walking distance of eachother here in Toronto.
Each location is very different. One is used for raw, messy work (arts based maker space) and has a strong creative community of artists and designers.
Another is a more traditional coworking office environment but with the added value of an event space and art gallery, for our diverse community of freelancers, startups and entrepreneurs.
The 3rd location became a hybrid of the two models, a mix of creative workspace and more traditional coworking facilities.
Some of our members stick to one location where they feel they have a tribe. Others move between the locations, using different facilities for different projects or stages in their development (client meetings etc). This set up worked well for a long time, and still works for us.
But I’ve been looking for ways to make improvements, and I noticed our members would all come together for events and I came to realize, they all REALLY like eachother, and like being around eachother even though they may be working on completely different things.
After a few years, I also started feeling overwhelmed with managing 3 of everything.
3 community managers, 3 hydro bills, etc. etc. There just seemed like a lot of waste. It sorta hit me while I was buying our 3rd vacuum cleaner…
We had an opportunity to move in early 2014 and so we began combining our communities into one space.
I liked the happy little accidents so much that we are now also going to move all of our members from the Queen West location into The Foundery Buildings for July 1st. So we are now going from 3 independent locations into one building as we expand. I’m really excited about reconnecting these communities.
I must mention that the layout of our building helps. We have 3 floors, each 5000 sq ft. It makes it easier to keep the event space separate from our designated desks, and although we are working with an open concept, we can have artist studios and coworking space next to eachother, but not interfering with eachother. Some spaces just can’t accommodate that.
Our community remained strong between 3 locations because of the walking distance between them. We are all neighbours in the community as well.
We also have the benefit of a central event space that connects us all, and we share community lunches.
There were benefits of maintaining independent locations (like having ‘something for everyone’, and being able to try out something new on a smaller group), but also pitfalls (I like to be hands-on in the community and was wearing thin juggling 3 independent communities).
You know your members best Andy - if there is something for them at each location and they are willing to travel for it, or if you already have enough members to fill 2 locations, you can support more than one space.
Ashley Proctor
Creative Blueprint & Foundery
Toronto, Canada
···
On May 13, 2014, at 11:32 AM, Andy Soell wrote:
So, an amazing opportunity has fallen into our laps that would allow us to open a second coworking location a couple miles away from our existing location. We make a pretty heavy emphasis on community here, so I’ve never been super keen on the idea of multiple locations (versus expanding to larger spaces as needed) but for a variety of reasons this new space makes a lot of sense. We’re contemplating it, but I wanted to check with any other space operators to find out any advice / tips / pitfalls related to multiple spaces, specifically as it relates to making sure the community doesn’t become fragmented.
–
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Susan and I went down this road and pulled back. We tried to open another location under the assumption that we could give both spaces the care we give our first location. After about a year we got our first negative yelp review and it stung because it was true. Our assumption was seriously challenged and we decided to regroup at our current location. I’m not saying you can’t open two locations, but this was our experience. The really tricky part was finding people to talk to about it and get advice. Traditional logic is that bigger is better and growing is good. But if you are trying to build a home, multiple houses doesn’t necessarily get you there.
···
Jacob
Office Nomads - Individuality without Isolation
http://www.officenomads.com - (206) 323-6500
On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 8:41 AM, Jerome Chang [email protected] wrote:
I would have the new one focus on something different, like more event space(s), meeting rooms, cafe seating or whatever. Have a reason for people to want to visit both.
JEROME CHANG
Mid-Wilshire
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) | Los Angeles CA 90036
ph: (323) 330-9505
Downtown
529 S. Broadway, Suite 4000 (@Pershing Square) | Los Angeles CA 90013
ph: (213) 550-2235
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, Andy Soell [email protected] wrote:
So, an amazing opportunity has fallen into our laps that would allow us to open a second coworking location a couple miles away from our existing location. We make a pretty heavy emphasis on community here, so I’ve never been super keen on the idea of multiple locations (versus expanding to larger spaces as needed) but for a variety of reasons this new space makes a lot of sense. We’re contemplating it, but I wanted to check with any other space operators to find out any advice / tips / pitfalls related to multiple spaces, specifically as it relates to making sure the community doesn’t become fragmented.
–
Visit this forum on the web at http://discuss.coworking.com
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Downtown
529 S. Broadway, Suite 4000 (@Pershing Square) | Los Angeles CA 90013
ph: (213) 550-2235
Mid-Wilshire
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) | Los Angeles CA 90036ph: (323) 330-9505
–
–
Visit this forum on the web at http://discuss.coworking.com
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups “Coworking” group.
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Thanks Jacob, that makes sense. Were we to move ahead with this opportunity, it would definitely be a goal down the road to recombine into a single space—I’m kind of viewing this as an opportunity to allow the community to continue to grow without needing to displace our existing members. We aren’t full in our existing space, but we’re definitely over 50% capacity and continuing to grow.
···
Jacob
Office Nomads - Individuality without Isolation
http://www.officenomads.com - (206) 323-6500
On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 8:41 AM, Jerome Chang [email protected] wrote:
I would have the new one focus on something different, like more event space(s), meeting rooms, cafe seating or whatever. Have a reason for people to want to visit both.
JEROME CHANG
Mid-Wilshire
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) | Los Angeles CA 90036
ph: (323) 330-9505
Downtown
529 S. Broadway, Suite 4000 (@Pershing Square) | Los Angeles CA 90013
ph: (213) 550-2235
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, Andy Soell [email protected] wrote:
So, an amazing opportunity has fallen into our laps that would allow us to open a second coworking location a couple miles away from our existing location. We make a pretty heavy emphasis on community here, so I’ve never been super keen on the idea of multiple locations (versus expanding to larger spaces as needed) but for a variety of reasons this new space makes a lot of sense. We’re contemplating it, but I wanted to check with any other space operators to find out any advice / tips / pitfalls related to multiple spaces, specifically as it relates to making sure the community doesn’t become fragmented.
–
Visit this forum on the web at http://discuss.coworking.com
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups “Coworking” group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected].
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Downtown
529 S. Broadway, Suite 4000 (@Pershing Square) | Los Angeles CA 90013
ph: (213) 550-2235
Mid-Wilshire
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) | Los Angeles CA 90036ph: (323) 330-9505
–
–
Visit this forum on the web at http://discuss.coworking.com
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Hi
We have three locations in Toronto and it’s definitely been a challenge to have ‘vibrant’ cultures in each. But I think it’s important to acknowledge that having different cultures in different spaces is a-ok. I think the concern happens when you expect a uniform culture across all locations. Each space will have its own unique culture - a reflection of location, community, staff, space, etc. I do think the idea of offering a different flvour to each space makes sense as a way of anticipating this…
Eli Malinsky
Centre for Social Innovation
Toronto // New York City
···
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014 12:23:05 PM UTC-4, Andy Soell wrote:
Thanks Jacob, that makes sense. Were we to move ahead with this opportunity, it would definitely be a goal down the road to recombine into a single space—I’m kind of viewing this as an opportunity to allow the community to continue to grow without needing to displace our existing members. We aren’t full in our existing space, but we’re definitely over 50% capacity and continuing to grow.
On May 13, 2014, at 12:18 PM, Jacob Sayles [email protected] wrote:
Susan and I went down this road and pulled back. We tried to open another location under the assumption that we could give both spaces the care we give our first location. After about a year we got our first negative yelp review and it stung because it was true. Our assumption was seriously challenged and we decided to regroup at our current location. I’m not saying you can’t open two locations, but this was our experience. The really tricky part was finding people to talk to about it and get advice. Traditional logic is that bigger is better and growing is good. But if you are trying to build a home, multiple houses doesn’t necessarily get you there.
Jacob
Office Nomads - Individuality without Isolation
http://www.officenomads.com - (206) 323-6500
On Tue, May 13, 2014 at 8:41 AM, Jerome Chang [email protected] wrote:
I would have the new one focus on something different, like more event space(s), meeting rooms, cafe seating or whatever. Have a reason for people to want to visit both.
JEROME CHANG
Mid-Wilshire
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) | Los Angeles CA 90036
ph: (323) 330-9505
Downtown
529 S. Broadway, Suite 4000 (@Pershing Square) | Los Angeles CA 90013
ph: (213) 550-2235
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014, Andy Soell [email protected] wrote:
So, an amazing opportunity has fallen into our laps that would allow us to open a second coworking location a couple miles away from our existing location. We make a pretty heavy emphasis on community here, so I’ve never been super keen on the idea of multiple locations (versus expanding to larger spaces as needed) but for a variety of reasons this new space makes a lot of sense. We’re contemplating it, but I wanted to check with any other space operators to find out any advice / tips / pitfalls related to multiple spaces, specifically as it relates to making sure the community doesn’t become fragmented.
–
Visit this forum on the web at http://discuss.coworking.com
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups “Coworking” group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected].
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Downtown
529 S. Broadway, Suite 4000 (@Pershing Square) | Los Angeles CA 90013
ph: (213) 550-2235
Mid-Wilshire
5405 Wilshire Blvd (2 blocks west of La Brea) | Los Angeles CA 90036ph: (323) 330-9505
–
–
Visit this forum on the web at http://discuss.coworking.com
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups “Coworking” group.
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As a person who just opened a second location YESTERDAY I have a lot of thoughts. In no particular order:
-consider what it will feel like to be pulled in 2 directions (literally). No matter how many processes you have in place sometimes you just need a person on the ground to do something. Who knows what it will be. Today, it’s a malfunctioning keyless lock at the new location while I happen to be at the other and with no car=awesome!
-I intentionally put “cooler” stuff in the new space to encourage our existing members to try it. It must be working b/c everyone is at the new location today! We did better wifi equipment, HDMI flat panel tv instead of a projector and offer more types of seating options in the new space. The members are bananas about it–in a good way. It’s fun to see them lounging on the couch or working at a group table or a more traditional desk.
-It’s important to us to have social events which include the entire community. Because my spaces are only 2ish miles apart, it’s not that difficult and most would say that Fort Collins is a small town so transit is easy by bus, bike or car.
-All members (even private office and dedicated desk) people have the ability to work at the other location AND have access to our entire community via our online platform.
-I see our biggest challenge moving forward as helping new members get to know the current members even when they don’t see each other that often.
Angel
···
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014 9:32:14 AM UTC-6, Andy Soell wrote:
So, an amazing opportunity has fallen into our laps that would allow us to open a second coworking location a couple miles away from our existing location. We make a pretty heavy emphasis on community here, so I’ve never been super keen on the idea of multiple locations (versus expanding to larger spaces as needed) but for a variety of reasons this new space makes a lot of sense. We’re contemplating it, but I wanted to check with any other space operators to find out any advice / tips / pitfalls related to multiple spaces, specifically as it relates to making sure the community doesn’t become fragmented.
We have three + two now; that is to say, I have my own space, and two which are a shop-in-shop concept, and then two others who are allied.
The strongest community bonds are with the space which is closest to us and which we started to fill a need we could not meet in Kamer52 – we needed storage, fulfilment, shipping and logistics for webshops, import-export, and trade businesses and offloading pallets and so on did not go well in an office space in the middle of a city. Even a small city. So we started a satellite to meet those needs. Thoise guys use the original space for meetings and so forth, and the sattelite for what it does best. But the result is that the community part mostly takes place in and around the original space.
The newest space is in Amsterdam and, well, folks who live in Amsterdam have in general not yet noticed that there is anything in the world beyond the Amstel river, So what they do mostly is between and amoungst themselves I am afraid. Still, they do not mind helping each other in terms of virtual interaction and there (online) I do see them getting involved in the larger community. So I have some initiatives planned in that direction.
But I am all about that anyway, it’s my thing. So it is possibly not a surprise that in my communities there is an emphasis on virtual interaction and collaboration. @Angesl, I agree with you on the last two p[oints, it’s what I am workign on as well. DO you have your own sandbox or are you using existing networks for your platform?
Given the cost of gas, I think it is futile to expect a lot of physical interaction between spaces which are far apart, at least here in the Netherlands and so would anticipate some fragmenting in that sense. YMMV.
···
On Tuesday, May 13, 2014 5:32:14 PM UTC+2, Andy Soell wrote:
So, an amazing opportunity has fallen into our laps that would allow us to open a second coworking location a couple miles away from our existing location. We make a pretty heavy emphasis on community here, so I’ve never been super keen on the idea of multiple locations (versus expanding to larger spaces as needed) but for a variety of reasons this new space makes a lot of sense. We’re contemplating it, but I wanted to check with any other space operators to find out any advice / tips / pitfalls related to multiple spaces, specifically as it relates to making sure the community doesn’t become fragmented.