Sharing space, equipment, ideas and knowledge: that is the general idea behind coworking. Over the past few years, and especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, the concept of coworking has really evolved. Frederick County is home to a number of shared office spaces, each with its own unique setting. We sat down with two owners of local coworking spaces to learn more about what they bring to the Frederick community.
11 Byte Court, Suite C, Frederick, MD
www.slstudiofrederick.com
SL Studio is a new coworking space, and Frederick’s first coworking space with a private gym. Owner Hannah came to the U.S. from Germany five years ago and worked as a personal trainer. As a trainer, Hannah was inspired to create a space for health professionals outside of the corporate gym world. The facility began as a space specially for independent personal trainers, giving them a gym space to train clients, as well as work space to do the outside-of-the-gym part of their job, while building their business. SL Studio had the soft opening of its Byte Court facility in May of 2021, with a grand opening and ribbon cutting held in August. Since opening, the space has evolved into a coworking space for any professional interested in a healthy lifestyle, not just personal trainers. A variety of entrepreneurs now call SL Studio home, creating a special community of creative thinkers. The facility currently has about 15 members. Today, the space includes a full gym, various working spaces, lounge areas, and a kitchen stocked with healthy snacks. From printers and supplies, to the use of podcasting equipment, members have access to the needs for their business, all in a beautifully decorated space. There is even an official greeter: a sweet pup named Rose. The doors may have only been open for a few months, but there are already plans in the works to expand SL Studio. Check out SL Studio’s website for more information on memberships including 2-3 days per week, full-time access, or even day passes for drop-ins.
122 E Patrick St, Frederick, MD
www.coworkfrederick.com
Nestled in downtown Frederick, Cowork Frederick has been providing local professionals with shared workspace since 2012. Owners Julia and husband Glen both previously worked from home. The isolation was taking a toll, but they dreaded the commute to the corporate office, so they decided to launch Frederick’s first coworking space. After buying the East Patrick building and renovating it, Cowork Frederick opened for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs looking for a better way to work and connect with others. “Work for yourself, not by yourself” was their oft-used tag line. From common break rooms and lounge spaces to a variety of networking events, the emphasis is on cultivating community and building trusted relationships. Co-owner Julia tells us her favorite part of owning Cowork Frederick is watching members collaborate. Examples range from writers bouncing ideas off of each other, to business owners from different industries teaming up to offer convenient packages to clients. Members are central to everything they do. Community input contributed to the design of the current space, as well as the future expansion. Currently under renovation, the building next to Cowork Frederick is being transformed into additional space which will allow them to expand their current offerings (coworking desks, private offices, meeting rooms and events) and add new ones like a podcast room and a large outdoor space. The current facility has 47 members and this expansion will offer space to more than double that number. The new building also has upstairs apartments that will serve as temporary space to stay for professionals traveling from out of town. Head to Cowork Frederick’s website for more information including membership details.
For more information on Frederick County’s various shared workspaces, please visit www.discoverfrederickmd.com/shared-office-space.