The Open Office opened in the Coventry School Building in Cleveland Heights on Monday, April 9, welcoming independent workers -- freelancers, small biz operators and mobile professionals -- a co-working environment to get their work done in a social atmosphere.

The Open Office, which will host its grand opening on May 2, offers office space, printers, fax machines and other office services on a membership basis. Memberships range from cubicles dedicated exclusively for full time members, to open memberships and part-time access.

“I’m very excited about what we’ve been doing over the past few weeks to transform the building from an old school to workspace,” says founder Andrew Auten. “We’ve been working with the school and the city to bring in more small business.”

Conference space is available for meetings and seminars. “The conference rooms are open to the public for reservations,” says Auten.  “We can hold much larger events, for up to 100 people too. The need for this kind of flexible meeting space is really growing.”

The Open Office has 12 desks for dedicated members. Auten already has eight dedicated members signed up. Two employees manage the office, while Auten is working with a consultant to help with social media in the space.

Other amenities include parking passes for members, a coffee bar by Phoenix Coffee and pastries and sandwiches from Luna Bakery Cafe.

Source: Andrew Auten
Writer: Karin Connelly