A co-working space— a kind of office environment shared by freelancers and businesses alike — has debuted in Stone Oak, providing a creative community for varied patrons.
Venture X, 18911 Hardy Oak Blvd., held a celebration May 25 to herald the opening of its initial location in Texas, and the second nationally.
While co-working sites are no longer unique in North Central, this Stone Oak building may house one of the first on the far North Side, officials said.
The communal space caters to entrepreneurs, ranging from telecommuters to independent contractors representing a wide business spectrum. The environment creates synergy and reduces the isolation experienced by many freelancers, patrons said.
“What’s really important to us is building that sense of community, an environment that helps promote collaboration between businesses, our members, and gives them that open space that they’re looking for but still maintains that professional edge,” said Michelle Solis, manager of Venture X.
With co-working spaces gaining popularity nationwide, Venture X is a hybrid of traditional executive-office suites and shared working areas, according to Solis.
District 9 Councilman John Courage said growth and traffic congestion in the area created obstacles for many independent enterprises.
“The Venture X facility and similar co-working spaces bring facilities and resources closer to our communities,” he said. “This reduces cost and commutes while increasing flexibility, which helps grow our area economy and enables families to spend more quality time together.”
Companies representing technology, marketing, accounting, architecture, logistics, e-commerce, roofing and law use Venture X accommodations. At the end of June, Solis said the facility had reached 40 to 45 percent capacity, with room for expansion at the two-story, 20,000-square-foot site.
Jorge Peña, president of Jorge Peña Architects Inc., recently moved to Venture X from conventional headquarters.
“I like the idea for a small business to have interaction with other people rather than working at home or meeting at a Starbucks,” Peña said. “It’s nice to have, to see the receptionist and other people; you’re more in touch with people.”
Workplaces range from shared desks to private offices, and even virtual offices.
David Diamond and his son Brett founded Venture X in 2012.
Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, but members have 24/7 access. For more, call 564-7626 or visit venturex.com.