PODCAST STUDIO HERE!…read more
I really enjoy checking out coworking spaces around Cleveland for a change of scenery (usually as a drop-in guest). I recently worked at Icon Cowork. Icon Cowork occupies the second floor of the St. James Corporate Campus, located right next to the iconic St. James Church in Lakewood, Ohio. This coworking is versatile - offers a variety of memberships, space rental, private offices, and monthly member events. One of the better coworking spaces around! I was amazed at all the friendliness experienced at this coworking center! All members were greeting me, cordially introducing themselves, and wanted to network. Some members even showed me their offices! The Community Manager Heidi was such a joy to interact with! She was bubbly, welcoming, and introduced me to many people at the coworking space.I felt very included. I was also able to attend a member lunch and learn event while I was at this space (Power Up Your Posture Lunch & Learn). It's just a very close knit community.
INITIAL VISIT: Initiate your first visit by filling out the form on Icon's website. You'll receive an invitation email with an option to schedule via Calendly. You can select an option to do a tour or tour, free coworking week. The tour is very extensive and informative. It's a more thorough tour than I have received at other workspaces. The tour introduces you to various co-working options - open floor coworking, dedicated desks, or office spaces. You'll learn about all pricing and details of each membership. You'll have access to all facilities Monday-Friday, 8 AM-3 PM during your free week trial. The 5 days have to be consecutive. Weekends are not included. You will have access to facilities, Wi-Fi, common areas, and will be able to enjoy refreshments (coffee, tea, and snacks)). Few amenities are not included: meeting rooms, private offices and podcast room. You will be contacted at the end of your trial to see if you'd like to convert to a full-time member.
MEMBERSHIPS: Following your initial visit, you can check out coworking memberships and private offices tailored to your needs. The following price list was shared with me:
-Co-Working - $125.00 per month
-Dedicated Desk - $250.00 per month
-Micro Office - $635.00 per month (42 sq feet)
-Small Office - $935.00 per month (81 sq feet)
-Medium Office - $1,235.00 per month (120 sq feet)
-Large Office - $1,435.00 per month (150 sq feet)
-Extra Large Office - $1,635.00 per month (200 sq feet)
Included are mail boxes, utilities, printing services, complimentary refreshments (snacks, coffee, and tea), cleaning services, maintenance, access to community managers, parking, unrestricted access (24/7 with key card), access to a set number of hours to a community space. Members also enjoy monthly member appreciation office (network with other members, free lunch, and sometimes speakers during lunch time). The pricing seems to be very competitive and value-oriented. Essentially as an Icon member of $125 tier you'll get coworking space access 9 AM-5PM, refreshments (coffee, tea, and snacks), free printing, 2 hours a month of podcasting studio access, 2 hours a month of meeting room space. Common areas can get lively. Some members shared that their offices get loud (they can overhear each other).
SPACE: As a member, you can work from various parts of the co-working space. Open coworking space might be good for someone working from home. Booths can be used when you'll have a phone call to take. If you want to constantly work at this space, you can select that membership and call a desk at this space your own. If you're an entrepreneur, you can select one of the offices as a member. I observed that many individuals used these offices to welcome clients and visitors. For teams there is a gathering room with casual vibes and comfy furniture.
DROP-INS: If you don't feel like committing on a full-time basis, there are options to purchase $25 day passes to co-work. Rentals of a networking room to non-members is $125 per hour.
ACCESS: The building is accessible 24/7 to members, and only during business hours for visitors or drop-ins. There are two main entrances leading to Madison Ave, another to the parking lot. Some members enjoy going to lunch or coffee right on Madison Ave, access is very convenient. There are plenty of cool spots around in Lakewood within walking distance.
PARKING: Private parking lot is available (shared with Sacred Hour Lakewood). Parking spots are scarce. There are options for street parking (metered), but all meters are pretty much time boxed.
PODCAST STUDIO: There is a podcast studio inside! You receive a certain number of free hours with membership (usually 2 hours a month)! It's a very fun little space!
It's a gem for any entrepreneurs who want a private office for client visits or work. Ultimately I decided not to join. I need more secluded space but don't want an office. I'll drop in to work here in the future!