In the two years since Mack and Linda Hendricks first had their idea to open a co-working space, the city's co-working scene has blown wide open. After a few setbacks with their intended facilities, the husband-and-wife team has followed through on its vision, opening
Common Division in Midtown earlier this month.
Even though the number of Detroit co-working spaces has grown considerably since they first thought of opening their own, Mack and Linda believe their location, building, and programming will make it all worth the wait. Common Division is located in Suite B of 4160 Cass Ave.
It's a storefront location, something that sets them apart from other co-working spaces, says Mack. Another advantage is the parking, which he says is considerably cheaper than downtown. The couple also believes that their neighbors will play a role in their success. Common Division shares a building with the coffee and gelato shop, Melt. The popular tapas restaurant La Feria is also on that block.
"We're where people live," says Mack Hendricks. "And there's not a lot of space in some of these apartments in the neighborhood. People want to get out and be somewhere creative."
Being creative is a big component of the Common Division business plan. On Dec. 6 during Midtown's Noel Night celebration, Common Division will debut their Paint the Town event. Following Noel Night, Paint the Town events will occur every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The co-working space will be transformed into a painting class, with easels and stools replacing tables and office chairs. An instructor will walk groups through the process of painting. Mack says it's a simple and fun way to discover something you didn't know you had in you. The painting classes are two hours long and BYOB -- bring your own bottle of wine.
Access to the co-working space is from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. for holders of day- and week-long passes and and 24-hours-a-day for those holding monthly passes. Day passes are $15, week passes are $50, and month passes are $160. Wi-fi, refreshments, printing and fax facilities, and lockers are some of the amenities offered with each membership.
Source: Mack Hendricks, co-owner of Common Division
Writer: MJ Galbraith
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