Cincy Coworks celebrates new permanent space in Walnut Hills

Cincinnatians began coworking in November 2009 in the Over-the-Rhine.  From those early beginnings, the group of full-time coworkers and those interested in the concept have grown.  After expanding coworking operations in OTR in February 2010, Cincy Coworks is now celebrating a much anticipated move into a permanent space in East Walnut Hills.

The new 800 square-foot space at 2714 Woodburn Avenue (map) has been a work in progress according to Cincy Coworks co-founder Gerard Sychay.  In addition to the permanence of the East Walnut Hills location, coworkers can now utilize the space 24 hours a day, seven days a week with a full-time monthly membership that costs $200.

"We love the new location," said Sychay.  "We've got great food options within a couple of blocks and a big free parking lot for those who need it."

In addition to access, monthly membership also guarantees a dedicated desk, the ability to reserve space for evening and weekend events, and other amenities that Sychay says are still to come.  The space also boast an lounge area and outdoor space for those looking to get a bit of fresh air.

Joining Cincy Coworks is a second coworking operation called Working Side by Side.  Located in Woodlawn, Working Side by Side has 1,200 square feet of space, five full-time members and presently operates from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

"I heard of the coworking concept before and thought it would work here.  The financial and social benefits were both appealing to us," said Brian Mueller who is one of the creative minds behind the Woodlawn coworking space.  "We have learned a lot from the Cincy Coworks people, and we have learned that it's a pretty close knit community."

Mueller went on to say that the close knit community of coworkers is working on potential collaborative efforts between the two spaces Mueller for their members.  If things work out for his group of coworkers from Jasco Engineering & Sales and Precision Cincinnati, the Working Side by Side space may expand into adjacent space where a recreation room or conference rooms could be added.

Like Working Side by Side, Cincy Coworks is also planning for a future expansion that could bring its footprint to 2,000 square feet and more than double the amount of space for its members and drop-in users.

"We stuck to a zero-sum, pay-as-you-go approach, so we opened up operations in the black," Sychay explained.  "If there is enough interest we would love to grow our operations and get an even bigger space somewhere in the neighborhood."

Stay up-to-date by following Cincinnati's coworking spaces on Twitter @CincyCoworks and @WorkingSBS.

Writer: Randy A. Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler
Stay connected by following Randy on Twitter @UrbanCincy