Nashville Coworking Space

The changing face of how we work has created new options for where we work - Nashville coworking.

Coworking spaces are working environments shared by people employed by different organizations.

As more of the workforce seeks alternative employment as entrepreneurs, independent contractors, and telecommuters, coworking spaces are growing in popularity.

Nashville coworking spaces can provide a flexible work environment (and no personal guaranty!) as well as a connection to a diverse, driven community.

Even better, it gets you out of the garage or coffeehouse for a fraction (depending on your situation) of the cost of a long-term lease.

A La Carte Services

Typically, you can opt for a variety of services and only pay for what you need.

There may be tiered memberships or even hourly rates if you need only a conference room once a month.

For example, you might need three dedicated desks for yourself and two other employees, as well as receptionist services, office equipment, and a kitchen.

Or you might require only a shared desk and a mailing address.

Either way, you could find your solution in a shared work environment like one of these Nashville coworking spaces.

What You Should Consider

1. Size of your business and number of employees:

   • More than ten employees may be too many to make coworking efficient or cost-effective. That also depends on how the spaces are charged - some spaces offer more of a traditional “650 square foot office” listing compared to a personnel based “10-person office.” That may not seem like a big deal, but the price difference can be staggering.

     
     

2. Hours of operation:

   • Are they fixed or flexible? Does your schedule match the schedule of the coworking environment? Personally, I prefer 24-hour access, just in case I get that entrepreneurial itch at 1 AM (we’ve all been there…), but some are only accessible during normal business hours.

     
     

3. Personality or vibe of the space:

   • Does it lean more toward creatives? Is it an open and shared work environment or more private offices? You need to be inspired to work your best wherever you are!

     
     

4. total Cost:

   • Can you afford it, and will it help you save money (as compared with a lease)? Be sure to do a cost / benefit analysis of being in a shared work environment compared to having your own office. Most coworking spaces will provide WiFi, meeting rooms, snacks, etc., while others will charge for these add-ons.

     
     

5. Employee work habits:

   • Will the collaborative atmosphere be embraced by your employees, or will it be too distracting? One amenity I’ve seen (and love!) in some coworking spaces are phone booths – perfect for private calls with clients.

     
     

6. Amenities:

   • Are amenities such as a workout room, community events, or even beer on tap included? These are expenses that can add up in your own space that are often included at no charge (or significantly cheaper) compared to a traditional lease.

Nashville Coworking Spaces

Here’s a list of coworking options in the Nashville area:

WeWork

Now valued at over $47 billion, the coworking giant, WeWork, has opened three locations in Nashville: Downtown, Music Row, and East Nashville. Memberships to the largest coworking space in Nashville range from solopreneurs to 250+ employee companies and provide an amenity rich, socially driven environment. Your membership will provide access to any of their international locations and you can’t go wrong with the largest coworking business in the world. Check out WeWork’s Nashville options here.

4013 Travis Drive

Located conveniently between I-65 and I-24 near the Harding Road / Nolensville Pike intersection, 4013 Travis Drive provides easy access to small business owners from around the city. Whether you need 300 square feet or 3,000, this newly renovated building is set to accommodate your small business’ needs. Private offices start at $485 per month. Learn more about 4013 Travis Drive here.

LaunchPad

LaunchPad opened it’s doors just over a year ago and is still thriving. The location is great for those entrepreneurs who don’t want to work from home, but still want a smaller vibe. LaunchPad is right across the street from Barista Parlor in East Nashville and houses a few private offices as well as a shared group space in the heart of the location. Learn more about LaunchPad here.

Center615

A Nashville favorite, Center615 offers three different buildings (with shared access to each) in a campus-style setting on the East Side. If becoming a part of a thriving community of entrepreneurs is your thing, this option is for you. Learn more about the Center615 lifestyle here (if interested in a private office at Center615, contact me here).

Deavor

Just south of Germantown, Deavor offers a convenient location without the misery of navigating downtown Nashville. Like The Refinery, Deavor doesn’t provide any private suites but they do have a production studio – something I haven’t seen provided in other spaces. See Deavor’s options here.

Novel Coworking

With a location in the heart of downtown, Novel Coworking is great for those entrepreneurs who want a downtown feel. With private offices and event spaces, Novel is a great location for every entrepreneur. They also have a full kitchen that houses an espresso bar and a beer tap. Learn more about Novel Coworking here.

Industrious

Industrious fits right into the Gulch with its modern industrial design. While the office is well designed and Industrious offers great coworking options and amenities, pricing can be on the higher-end for what you get and parking could be a nightmare – especially for visitors. Learn more on Industrious here.

Ink

Located in The Gulch, Ink Coworking is walking distance from all the features The Gulch offers. This location is a little more expensive than most coworking spaces in Nashville, but with all it’s features, including Frothy Monkey Coffee, A greenscreen, coffee roasting station, a music studio. Learn more about Ink here.

The Entrepreneur Center

I’ve been a member at the EC for nearly two years now. The ease of parking, the treadmill desk. What sets the EC apart? The ability to connect with an EC Advisor (successful, well-established entrepreneurs) in any arena of your choosing. Here are the Entrepreneur Center’s options.

Fort Houston

Fort Houston epitomizes the Wedgewood Houston neighborhood: makers and creators working together to make amazing things. As a member, you have access to a fully outfitted woodshop, metal shop, print shop, and a 3-D printer. Find your inner maker/creator here.

theLAB Nashville

A space in Germantown, the location is open 24 hours a day to members. If anyone ever get’s a 2a.m. spark of inspiration, they can quickly head over to theLAB and get their work done. Learn more about theLAB here.

WELD Nashville

Similar to Fort Houston, WELD was created to serve the needs of photographers, filmmakers, and creatives. Not only does WELD have meeting rooms and event space, they also provide a natural light studio and black-light studio, as well as discounted rentals on photo and film equipment. Check WELD out here.

Collective615

Collective615, based in West Nashville in the L&L MarketPlace, is Nashville’s first coworking space designed by women for women. Touting female empowerment and femininity, Collective615 aims to assist female entrepreneurs on their journey through both personal and professional growth. Check out Collective615 here.

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Offices Are Changing

Long gone are the days of the traditional office.

The private, Mad Men style corner office reminiscent of our fathers' generation is going by the wayside.

Even outside of coworking, offices are modernizing.

Coworking offers entrepreneurs a collaborative work environment to incubate their ideas without the long-term commitment.

Shared work environments are a much-needed first step into small business ownership and Nashville coworking spaces are here to stay.

Cowoking is the new thing, so if you want to join this movement, learn more here. The Cauble Group is always here to help you find the best space for your business.

About The Author:

Tyler Cauble, Founder & President of The Cauble Group, is a commercial real estate broker and investor based in East Nashville. He’s the best selling author of Open for Business: The Insider’s Guide to Leasing Commercial Real Estate and has focused his career on serving commercial real estate investors as a board member for the Real Estate Investors of Nashville. Learn more at www.TylerCauble.com