Coworking Concept Spreads to Smaller Communities in U.S.; Brings Entrepreneurs, Independent Workers & More Together in Collaborative Space
Appleton, WI (PRWEB) December 19, 2013 -- A concept that first caught on in larger cities across the globe, coworking spaces are starting to launch in smaller creative communities like Appleton, Wisconsin.
The Avenue HQ is located within a renovated downtown office building and recently opened as a shared workspace for freelancers, entrepreneurs, start-ups, telecommuters, creatives and other independent professionals.
It serves as a collaborative, innovative and networking environment for people in the Fox Cities who may otherwise feel isolated in a home office setting or need more resources than a coffee shop, café or other public space offers. It is also an alternative for those who don’t want to commit to a long-term lease.
Coworking is made affordable at The Avenue HQ as several types of memberships are available, including one-day, shared workspace, reserved desk and private office options. Rates start from less than $3 per day.
In addition to providing a practical working area for individuals, The Avenue HQ exists as a regional hub for local entrepreneurial events and creative culture development as well.
Matthew Straub, The Avenue HQ Community Manager, explained that Appleton meets the criteria for a community that will benefit from having a coworking space. “The Fox Cities has a surprisingly large pool of entrepreneurial talent and freelancing talent, but as of yet, those communities aren't very cohesive.”
He also noted that many of these professionals are lacking in business resources and, often, the inspiration needed for their lines of work. “The Avenue HQ is meant to be a place for these folks to come together, and as a way to build Appleton's culture of innovation.” Straub added, “We have big desks, coffee donated by a local Starbucks, high-speed Wi-Fi, a large conference room and shared work areas which are a great place for serendipitous collaboration.”
Already hosting a complimentary week of coworking when the space first opened and several free days of office space use (also known as a “jelly”) since, Straub said the community has shown great support for the launch so far, and people seem to like what they see.
“We wanted to create a workspace that was functional, but also stimulating,” he explained. “I think we achieved that.”
Situated within an office building at 120 N. Morrison St. in Appleton, The Avenue HQ was freshly renovated to reflect its urban culture with glass, stained concrete and unique workstations made from repurposed bowling lanes. The floor plan has an open, laid-back feel to it.
The Avenue HQ is the first coworking space of its kind to open in Appleton, Wisconsin. It is a partnership between IDEAco and Willems Marketing that was designed to provide an innovative, collaborative workspace for professionals within the community. For more information, visit http://www.theavenuehq.com.
Lori Van Handel, Willems Marketing, +1 920.750.5020, [email protected]
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