Washington DC is home to a thriving community of freelancers and self-starters – and a growing number of coworking spaces in which they can work.
(Photo: alx Community)
Had the hit Washington-based political drama series The West Wing been set today, it’s likely that some of it’s protagonists would on occasion have been shot conducting their daily work in the confines of a coworking space. Such have times changed. America’s political heartland is now brimming with communal work spaces occupied by a diverse range of professionals. Here are 12 of the best.
alx Community
(Photo: alx Community)
Self-styled as much more than coworking spaces, alx’s two dog-friendly Alexandria venues both strive to nurture collaboration and networking. Between their TALX series of conversations with industry leaders, social impact initiatives, member exclusive happy hours and events, there are endless opportunities to meet people and expand your personal and business network. Amenities include a waterfront patio, lots of comfy lounges, and several private booths. Pricing starts at $199 per month for Flex Unlimited membership, which includes meeting credits, use of a business class photocopier, complimentary teas/coffees, and 24/7 keyless entry. There are also day passes for $35 per day.
Two venues across Washington DC / www.alxcommunity.com
Mindspace
(Photo: Mindspace)
Mindspace’s DC coworking space is located inside the prestigious One Franklin Square high-rise building and offers scenic views of the city from its rooftop lounge. A boutique, upscale working environment renowned for its exceptional level of service and vibrant professional community, it offers a busy roster of in-house events spanning wellness, lifestyle and professional development programs. Membership for 247 hotdesking starts at $350 per month, and there are also Mindpasses, a daily access pass that allows you to work from Mindspace on an on-demand basis, starting at $30 for a single day. All members also get access to work from any Mindspace location across Europe, Israel and the U.S.
1301 K Street / www.mindspace.me/c/dc
Carr Workplaces
Carr Workplaces’ assortment of Washington DC coworking spaces boast privileged city positions and are conveniently located just steps from a Metro station. Each location offers a variety of coworking product options, such as an unreserved seat in a common area, a permanent, reserved desk, a full-time private office, or even meeting and event space for larger gatherings. A Touchdown Desk membership starts at $299 per month and includes a reserved desk. For unreserved seating you can choose a Café Plan, which starts at $45 per month. There are also day passes starting at $25 a day. Members will receive access to all Carr Workplaces’ locations across the country, including their wide range of amenities such as business centers and fully stocked community cafés with soft seating and cable TV.
Venues across Washington DC / www.carrworkplaces.com
The Pitch Workspace
(Photo: The Pitch Workspace)
The Pitch at The Wharf is Washington, D.C.’s premier flexible office and coworking space, located just steps from The Pier in the heart of District Wharf. Featuring 90 fully furnished, turn-key private offices with built-in IT infrastructure, sound-masking technology and ergonomic furniture, as well as 11 meeting rooms, six call rooms, coworking lounges and relaxation rooms, businesses can stay agile with various membership options to fit their needs and budget without the high costs of a long-term agreement. Amenities includes complimentary gourmet coffee and tea in our two pantries, a professional onsite team providing concierge and secretarial services, as well as 24-hour building security and access to the Penthouse. Flex desk memberships start at $225 per month and dedicated desk memberships at $315 per month. Single day passes are $25 per day, and you can also purchase a 5-pack of day passes for $100 and a 10-pack for $150.
The District Wharf, 800 Maine Avenue / www.thepitchworkspace.com
Launchpad K Street
(Photo: Launchpad K Street)
Conveniently located in the centre of downtown Washington, steps from the iconic White House building, Launchpad K Street offers professional, light-filled offices, with views of McPherson Square. Hot desking rates start at $350 per month, with a one month minimum term. Among the array of all-inclusive on-site services and amenities are private conference rooms, a podcasting studio, unlimited printing, a wellness room, daily craft coffee, and local micro-brewed beer. The building itself also has a fitness centre and bike storage.
1015 15th Street / www.launchpadkstdc.com
The Yard
Situated in a gorgeous modern building in Eastern Market in the city’s Capitol Hill district, The Yard combines private and shared workspaces with a stunning rooftop lounge, conference rooms, and common areas to inspire collaborative conversation. Flexible month-to-month membership provides 24/7 access to the space, with hotdesking rates starting at $350 per month. Members can also benefit from a wellness program, free teas/coffees, a kitchen area, invites to regular events, and an on-site rotating art gallery featuring works by local artists.
700 Pennsylvania Avenue / www.theyard.com
WeWork
Whether you’re a freelancer looking for occasional desk or a startup seeking a workspace to call home, there’s a WeWork location in Washington for your needs. Their downtown spaces are bright and spacious and offer everything you need for the ultimate work environment, including perks such as complimentary micro-roasted coffee and refreshments in their comfortable common areas. WeWork All Access is a monthly membership scheme that gives you access to all of the companies global locations. Through a dedicated On Demand app, you can book yourself in for as little as $10 per hour or $29 per day, and for more regular users there are also fixed monthly memberships.
Venues across Washington DC / www.wework.com
AdvantEdge
(Photo: AdvantEdge)
Spread across two metro-accessible Washington locations, AvantEdge offer a range of membership packages, each with flexible terms and inclusive up-front pricing. Hot desk pricing starts at $229 per month for business hour access, rising to $279 per month for 24/7 access. Those seeking less regular use can also work here for just $29 a day, or $10 per hour. Among the notable amenities are meeting and conference rooms with modern tech capability, spacious lounges, and complimentary tea and coffee. Other perks include Friday morning bagels and fresh fruit, monthly talks, networking events and Happy Hours.
Venues across Washington DC / www.advantedgebc.com
Metro Offices
Woman-owned and locally focused, Metro Offices’ three Washington locations continue to serve as a catalyst for workspace innovation, as they have since their first opening back in 1989. Inspired by the creativity and drive of their 30,000-plus community of entrepreneurs, freelancers and self-starters, they have tailored their spaces and services to meet the unique needs of each client. There are a range of dedicated desks and shared workspaces available, with membership rates starting at $375 per month. Amenities include 24/7 building access, lockable storage, gym membership and over 60 meeting and training spaces.
Venues across Washington DC / www.metroffice.com
Industrious
(Photo: Industrious)
With multiple spaces dotted across the city, Industrious are among Washington’s most prolific coworking operators. There are a wide array of space types available, so you can find the perfect one for your budget and needs. Their thoughtfully-designed venues help to foster a professional atmosphere, but also to encourage collaboration and engagement with others. For hybrid workers, Access Membership is often best suited, giving you access to all the spaces you need on the days you come into the office, as well as use of meeting rooms, phone booths and other facilities. Base-level membership rates start at $419 per month.
Venues across Washington DC / www.industriousoffice.com
The Hive 2.0
Positioned on the lower level of the Anacostia Arts Center, The Hive 2.0 is the city’s only co-working space east of the river. Dedicated to helping local small business owners thrive, they support the creation, development, and expansion of small businesses (mostly minority and/or women-owned). There are three work space options, ranging from private offices to reserved desks and common-area access. Rates start at $110 per month for Affiliate membership. Members can also enjoy use of the free on-street parking and access to the common areas of the Arts Center which features a cafe, art gallery, retail and a black box theatre.
Anacostia Arts Center, 1231 Good Hope Road / www.thedchive.com
CoworkCafe at Three Whistles
(Photo: CoworkCafe)
An innovative coworking space in the heart of Arlington, just west of DC, Cowork Cafe is a cubicle-free venue with the sights and sounds of a bustling café – complete with plenty of food and drink that can be bought using a monthly membership credit system. Flooded in natural light and creative energy, visitors can choose from a variety of dedicated work tables, couches and chairs. Every table and work space has access to power outlets and there’s also high speed internet, phone booths, printers/scanners, and a conference room. You can pay $150 membership on a month to month basis and less for 3 and 6 month commitment. There are also day passes for $20.
2719 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington / www.coworkcafe.com