The Insider Archive
'Independents Hall' Offers Creative Co-Working in Philadelphia
Innovation Matters, Volume 1, Issue 3 - November 7, 2007
Entrepreneurs, freelancers and independent creative professionals no longer need to call their living rooms the office. With the co-working movement landing in Philadelphia, 'Independents Hall' offers creative workers a place to not only work, but more importantly share concepts and ideas with other people.
Independents Hall is a community of freelancers, independents, work-from-home people, who have an interest in getting out of their dull work day and participating in a community that’s designed to support and encourage people who make a living doing what they love. Independents Hall provides communication tools and events (social and educational), as well as a physical space to work and collaborate.
Its August 2007 grand opening took Old City, Philadelphia by storm. Located on the 2nd floor loft of 32 Strawberry Street, the space provides workspaces (desks, tables, chairs and couches); broadband internet (wired and wireless); a conference room with professional conference amenities (boardroom table/chairs, digital projector, whiteboard); secure equipment storage, a relaxing and stimulating environment to work; a support group of interesting, smart and talented people; infinite organic networking opportunities; and much more.
"In general, the environment [of Independents Hall] feels comfortable. You can now draw a line between work and play," said co-creator Alex Hillman. "Working from home is great, but your work is always there. Now you can leave your work at work then go home."
Alex Hillman began conceptualizing the co-working space in the fall of 2006, but it wasn't until spring of 2007 that energy started circulating around the idea. In March of 2007, Geoff DiMasi of P'unk Avenue added a new brain to the mix. Geoff's diverse background quickly became an asset to the growth of Independents Hall. In the final stages of creating the business agreement, community member Bart Mroz joined the team as a second full-time office manager (like Alex), as well as another independent voice and opinion to help lead the organization.
Modeled after co-working spaces in other cities around the country, including San Francisco and Washington DC, Independents Hall was adapted to the culture and needs of Philadelphia's independent creative community.
"Philadelphia's unique neighborhoods offer a segmented community which isn't good for creative people. In creative fields, having people to bounce ideas off of is necessary," said Alex.
So what's one of the best selling points to be a member? The conference room space. "Have a business meeting at your house or apartment is not the best strategy and a coffee shop is only a step above that," said Alex. "Bringing a client to an office where creative work happens shows the type of product you can produce."
Independents Hall serves not only as space with office furniture and conference rooms…it is much more. The space is also viewed as a community center for networking, idea generation and social interaction. "Work is social and should be," said Alex. "Outside groups are using our space as a community center for creative events."
P'unk Avenue's Junto events (www.junto.org), open social events and networking events occur about once a week at the space. What's next on the calendar? A movie night this Saturday, November 10 with one of Independents Hall's partner Philly Car Share.
Interested in becoming a member of Independents Hall? Membership levels range for day-pass, non-members to full membership. Anyone interested in experiencing the benefits from this dynamic co-working space should visit to www.independentshall.org.
Photo credit:
Hyku http://flickr.com/photos/hyku/
Stellargirl http://flickr.com/photos/stellargirl/