By SARAH SCHWARZ
For The Beachcomber
HUB070, a new office space in Vashon town, offers an opportunity for individuals, small businesses and organizations to learn from one another while sharing an office space, says its founder, Carolyn Amick.
“Vashon tends to be a very individualistic place … which can create redundancy,” Amick said. “This will bring those disparate groups together.”
HUB070 opened in the Spinnaker Building on Friday, when visitors could check out the space as part of the First Friday Gallery Cruise.
HUB070 includes a private office, semi-private office, multiple desk spaces and two conference rooms. Individuals or small groups can rent space anywhere from two days per month to full time, and all spaces are rented on a monthly basis.
The model on which HUB070 was created is used by similar organizations around the world, Amick said. Amick, a longtime islander and business consultant, was inspired to open one on Vashon when she visited the Seattle HUB. Founder and CEO of the Seattle HUB, Brian Howe, has since served as a mentor throughout the process of developing HUB070.
Seattle’s coworking space has attracted professionals of diverse backgrounds to collaborate or share skills.
While the Vashon space may not attract the same diversity, Amick said, she believes users will still embrace the model.
“You will have to apply to be part of HUB070,” Amick said. “But I think it will be pretty self-selecting based on the philosophy of coworking.”
Due to the open nature of the office space and the coworking model, Amick noted that those who are concerned about privacy in their work would likely not want to be part of HUB070.
HUB070 can be useful to a variety of people, according to its website. Groups that need a conference room once or twice a month can rent space without paying for an office that sits empty most of the time. Individuals who telecommute or work from home can rent a desk and have a quiet, business-oriented space in which to work.
“We really want to reach out to telecommuters,” Amick said. “Larger companies often even pay the fee if the individual feels it is a more productive environment.”
Those who do not need an office space can still benefit from HUB070. Amick said she intends to organize many workshops there, the first of which will be focused on the blogging program WordPress. Instructors will be brought in to lead them, and topics will depend on what the community desires, Amick said.
There are currently a variety of spaces available, and HUB070 is eagerly awaiting applications, Amick said. All members will have access to high-speed wireless internet, a printer, copier, fax machine, and full-time participants will have free access to the conference rooms.
There are also openings for people who want to use the space after hours and on weekends. Fees range from $30 to $375,per month, depending on the space and the frequency of use.
Amick called the community’s response to her endeavor “amazing,” saying that three people who visited the First Friday opening plan to apply for space there.
The Vashon Alliance to Reduce Substance Abuse, which recently moved out of the Vashon Youth & Family Services offices, will rent space there as well.
“Special thanks to VARSA, our newest member, for contributing and making the opening a success,” Amick said.
More information can be found on the HUB070 website at www.HUB070.com. To inquire about renting space, contact Carolyn Amick at 755-9972.
