Switchyards in downtown Durham has been a reliable coworking space for me, especially since I work remotely and often spend full eight‑hour days in one spot but like to change up where I am located depending on mood or day. One of the standout features is the fresh‑grind coffee machine the coffee tastes noticeably better than what I'm getting at my actual office and its local.
The space also has a wide range of seating options, including a quiet room, a reservable conference room, and near‑soundproof phone booths that are perfect for Zoom or Teams calls. Its location is another plus, it sits in a quieter part of the city, and you can walk to Durham Central Park, the Food Hall, and several good lunch spots.
Another perk is the small member newspaper where you can place a business ad for free. It's a creative idea and adds a bit of personality to the community. Unfortunately I haven't actually seen anyone pick one up in the months I've been coming here except for me one time so I'm not really sure how much of a reach you'd get by advertising anything in it.
Atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and very "Durham". Lately, the space has been getting noticeably more crowded during peak working hours, usually around 10am Monday and Tuesday which can make it harder to find your preferred spot. Flip side is on the weekend sometimes I'm the only person in there working. Which maybe is more of a sad reflection on my own life but at least you know people aren't just going in to hang out on the weekends.
Parking can be a challenge since there's no dedicated lot so you're left to hunt for street parking or try the small shared lot by the school across the street. Prices as of right now are $129 a month or annual at $1200 so it is a noticeable savings if you buy a year. This is cheaper then other comps in the coworker space plus there is a new location coming soon to Raleigh that you also have access to but... I consider nearby competition to also be things like the Durham Food Hall (which allows remote workers and even told me they are encouraging it) and free options like the public library to be viable competitors. Also many cafes are open to remote workers which has been the gold standard for people on a budget. Still, switchyards offers enough strong features and value that I continue to use it regularly. read more