The Caroline Collective- the Houston spot for digital drifters

Cc_entranceCoworking is an interesting concept that is sweeping the world.  There are a lot of freelancers everywhere, people who work for themselves and these folks can work anywhere.  They are often artists, web workers, writers or software coders who ply their trade for the highest bidder.  One of the most daunting barriers in front of the freelancer is where to do the work.  Many work from home, a pleasant way to to business for sure but not without its drawbacks.  Some freelancers can’t easily work from home for a number of reasons so the quest for the perfect workspace is a real one.

Coworking is springing up all over the place for just such freelancers.  Folks get together and obtain office space, either by renovating some cheap facility or by getting the space donated by a company.  The space is then outfitted with multiple working areas so digital drifters can come and go at will, always finding a flat space to set up a laptop and always with WiFi there for the sharing.  Coworking has benefits aside from the obvious work space provision such as the ability to interface with like-minded individuals that is lacking when working from home.  There is always a strong sense of community at coworking facilities that is unique and a strong draw.

Houston recently became the beneficiary of a wonderful coworking opportunity with the Caroline Collective (CC).  This facility in the museum district was raised the old-fashioned way through hard work and community effort.  It was fixed up, painted and brought into working order through blood, sweat and tears and opened this summer to meet the coworker’s need for a good place to work.  The CC provides a good workspace with the mandatory WiFi, along with coffee, snacks and even a shower for those who need one.  It operates with a tiered membership system, from free for the occasional visitor, to a top-level membership (currently sold out) that nets a private office and unlimited usage of an on-site conference facility.

I think it’s really cool that CC allows anyone with a need for a place to work with WiFi to drop by at no charge.  They call these folks digital drifters who come by when they need to get some work done and just as importantly to interact with others.  Sometimes home workers fit this category and need some face time with like-minded individuals and the CC serves that need beautifully.  They do ask that if you drop by often, like 3 times a week or more, that you pay for one of the reasonably priced memberships that get you a guaranteed workspace and access to the standard office facilities for just a few hundred bucks a month.  You can also upgrade that to get you a parking spot in the gated lot for just a bit more.  It’s a great concept and I am hearing nothing but good things about the Caroline Collective and I intend to check it out soon. 

Directions and full membership info after the jump.

Location:
4820 Caroline St.
Houston, TX 77004

Caroline_collective

Memberships:

Digital Drifters (aka Drop-ins)
COST: FREE

Looking to get some quick inspiration working alongside othercreatives? In town on business and looking for a place to catch a quickT1 connection and a hot, black cup ‘o joe? Or are you just playinghooky from your cubicle? Well, my friends, the Digital Drifter is whatyou are. Drop-ins are FREE so grab any available horizontal space (justnot dedicated desks) to dive in.

Digitial Drifters will benefit  from:

  • Free Wifi
  • Hot Coffee
  • Bike Rack for your ride
  • Close proximity to power outlets
  • The ability to closely network with Houston’s creative independent workforce

Our goal is to provide a fun, productive atmosphere that’s free toengage in; your payment to us is through positive interaction withthose in the space. We reserve the right to ask rude or disruptiveindividuals to come back at another time. If you’re using the spacemore than 3 days a week we will kindly ask you to become a Laptop Nomad.


Laptop Nomad
COST: $125/mo. (monthly leases available, unlimited)

Looking for a place to work on a semi-regular non-permanent basis?Perfect for the commitment-phobe worker, who want to know that anygiven desktop is available at their convenience. The Laptop Nomadmembership guarantees you a place to work 5 days a week with an opendesk available.

While this membership offers shared desk without desk storage, theidea is that this membership is set to allow the entire community toshare the cost of the physical facility, enabling everyone toparticipate for an affordable rate at the tier appropriate to theirneeds. If there is any intention of using the space more than 3 times aweek, with the added benefits, having a basic membership is the routefor you.

  • All of the benefits of the Digtial Drifter plus:
  • priority to desks and workspaces
  • Use of the shower next to the Coworking space (why don’t you bike to Caroline?)
  • Access to space rental for events
  • Office perks (food, libations, snacks)
  • printer
  • use of whiteboard
  • use of projector
  • locker
  • Access to the conference room

Professional Pilgrims
COST: $300/mo. (6 month lease, 10 total, 7 available)

“I want my own desk!” Of course you do, and we’re here to help. Forthose looking to join coworking full-time, Professional Pilgrims haveaccess to your own lockable desk and equipment that no one else canuse. With no limit on how much your can work, the Professional Pilgrimswill also be privy to:

  • All of the benefits of the Laptop Nomad, plus:
  • Dedicated desk with lock and key storage
  • Parking spot and gate access
  • 24/7 hour access
  • Your own key to the space
  • Priority reservation and unlimited use of the Conference room, booking of the space for events

Coworking Cohabitors
COST: $600-$700/mo. (6 month lease, 7 total, 0 available)

These are the big dogs. Our anchors. Do you need your own privatemeeting room, conference facility or just can’t stand that you can’tpaint the common rooms? Seven offices are available for our tenants whoneed four walls to work and GTD. In addition to all the benefits thatProfessional Pilgrims will receive:

  • All of the benefits of the Professional Pilgrims, plus:
  • Priority reservation and unlimited use of the Conference room, booking of the space for events
  • Dedicated personal and private office space
  • Lockable, in office storage
  • The ability to decorate your office however you like, even painting the walls

 

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