By Veronica Penney
Denver’s thriving startup scene means that coworking spaces are cropping up in every neighborhood. Designed to offer a flexible, creative space to work, coworking companies keep membership rates down by sharing fixed costs among their tenants.
Costs aside, coworking spaces offer other benefits. They create a space for community, acting as an incubator for innovation where like-minded people can commiserate and swap ideas.
With so many coworking spaces to choose from, there is an option out there for just about everyone. Memberships are available for a shared desk, a private office, or even a private suite for a small team. The most flexible options are “hot desk” memberships, which are desks and seats in common areas, available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
There are over 20 coworking spaces to choose from in downtown Denver alone. Fast internet, access to conference rooms, printers, and common areas are available pretty much everywhere, but some spaces set themselves apart by offering creative and unique perks.
Here are seven that you should know about.
Shift Workspaces
Image: Shift Workspaces.
The basics: Shift Workspaces has three locations in Denver that offer designated desks for individuals, private offices for one to six people, meeting rooms, and event space. A Shift membership will get you 24/7 building access and options for flexible plans, including a Desk Day Pass that will get you a desk for a day (only available Monday through Friday).
The perks: Free coffee and beer, standing desks, gym classes, chair massages, a kitchen, and lockable storage.
Green Spaces
The basics: Green Spaces is located in a 12,500 ft2 solar-powered workspace in RiNo, offering private offices, team spaces, full-and part-time shared lounge spaces, and conference rooms. Some memberships offer access during business hours only, but a full membership will get you 24/7 access and mailing services.
The perks: complimentary tea and coffee, member-only events, and a car-sharing hub from Zipcar.
Thrive Workplace
The basics: Thrive Workplace has two locations that offer private offices, dedicated desks, drop-in spaces, meeting rooms, and a training space for groups of 16-50. Membership options are monthly and range from two days of building access per month for an individual, to private offices for full teams.
The perks: Free coffee and beer, monthly lunch+learns, and happy hours.
Galvanize
Image: Galvanize.
The basics: Galvanize is well-known for its coding coursework, but also offers seats in open areas, designated desks, and private suites for teams. Galvanize has two Denver locations, and a building each in Fort Collins and Denver, featuring private phone booths and conference rooms.
The perks: Free coffee and snacks, plus a gym facility with showers in the Golden Triangle location and a game room in the Fort Collins location.
The Creative Farm
The basics: The Creative Farm has five buildings in Denver and offers access to conference rooms, individual offices, studio spaces, and a gallery.
The perks: The Creative Farm is best for people looking for a stable work environment, designed as a community for longer-term tenants, so it does not offer day passes or hot seats. According to the website, “The Creative Farm is like a commune, without all the hippies and patchouli.”
Modworks
Image: Modworks.
The basics: Modworks offers flexible terms on work spaces, ranging from daily passes to hot seats, private desks, and private offices. Complimentary printing is included with memberships, and the building has private phone rooms.
The perks: Fiber-optic internet access and complimentary food and beverages.
WeWork Denver
The basics: WeWork is a newcomer to the Denver scene, but is an established business with locations across the globe. Both the LoHi and Union Station locations will offer offices for rent, though the Union Station location will also have an option for just renting desk space. Amenities include lounges, printing rooms, conference rooms, and high-speed internet. Memberships are flexible, with options for hot desks, dedicated desks, and private offices.
The perks: Community managers, micro-brewed coffee, and weekly events.
How did you come up with this list of best coworking spaces? Most of the spaces you have on the list have minimal open workspace and are mostly, 90% private offices.
Cube Farm is purely offices and doesn’t have any coworking.
Shift only has one location open. Another one opening up in the late summer and another one that is years away.
Green Spaces is a good coworking space, Modworks has a lot of shared workspace as well. I would recommend you check out the other spaces of Sunnyside Station, Creative Density, and Assembly.