Washington D.C. has one of the largest markets for coworking spaces in the country thanks to their flexible nature, trendy amenities and collaborative atmosphere. Currently, there are around 81 coworking spaces that span 2.3 million square feet in Washington D.C., so pinpointing the best option can be quite the task.
One of the largest providers of coworking spaces is WeWork, whose Penn Quarter location offers unlimited cold-brew coffee, old-school arcade games and more. Other operators in the area also offer numerous café-like amenities such as Convene, the Cove and MakeOffices.
“What that affords me [as a small-business owner] is being able to hire that super-bright, highly educated, highly motivated recent college graduate and provide her with a work experience that Google provides,” said Christopher Campagna, CEO of Braddock Commercial Real Estate Solutions. “It levels the playing field for small and medium enterprises.”
While such perks make for an entertaining atmosphere, it can be difficult to get work done and may not attract professionals who are seeking more out of their workspace.
Some operators work to create a community through a mission-based model. For example, female-oriented space the Wing offers a supportive atmosphere for women professionals through its curated design, events and amenities.
Other operators are converting underutilized spaces into coworking spaces, such as WorkChew, which provides remote workers with workspaces in restaurants during slow times.
Overall, there are numerous types of coworking spaces that accommodate the needs of all professionals, whether that be an unlimited supply of LaCroix or a strong sense of community.
