DEERFIELD, IL — While coworking spaces have been around for decades, they’ve increasingly been popping up the last few years as workers continue navigating the post-pandemic world. In 2023, Brick & Mortar, a coworking company started in Park Ridge, opened its second location in Deerfield on Waukegan Road.
“People are looking to get out of the house, but not looking to go back to their previous office, at least not full-time — and really don’t want to commute again,” Aleyda Clabaugh, managing partner of Brick & Mortar, tells Patch. “They’re excited to find their post-COVID, optimal quality of life now that there is not a need to be tethered to an office.”
Clabaugh describes coworking as an “affordable, shared, flexible” workspace that can be utilized by individual workers as well as teams. People who use coworking spaces can be remote workers, self-employed or businesses looking to downsize from their larger offices.
Clabaugh said Brick & Mortar reviewed dozens of locations for a second site before deciding on 807 Waukegan Road. Walkability, demographics and the opportunity to be part of a “dynamic, growing village” were all factored into the final decision.
“Due to the significant investment made in purchasing and improving the real estate, it was critical that the selected city be one where Brick & Mortar could add value for many years to come,” Clabaugh said. “After reviewing all of the criteria, Deerfield was the obvious choice for our first expansion outside of the original location.”
Clabaugh said the Deerfield location checks all the boxes with an abundance of parking available right behind the business, while also being located right next door to a bakery, and near restaurants, grocery stores, a gym and other downtown Deerfield businesses.
“Not to mention, if our members need to hop on a train to get to the city, we’re only two blocks away from the Deerfield Metra station,” Clabaugh added. “Generally, we couldn’t really ask for a better location with better amenities than what we’ve found here in Deerfield.”
According to Clabaugh, Brick & Mortar provides all the amenities a typical office setting provides including adjustable sit/stand desks, free “super-fast” Wi-Fi and printing, complimentary hot coffee, cold brew, and kombucha — “and of course other awesome people like you to connect and share ideas with.” She said it can also be a place to just meet clients, take Zoom calls or conduct meetings.
Since a grand opening last summer in Deerfield, Clabaugh said the owners have been busy meeting with members of the community, the chamber of commerce and giving tours to people looking to see what a coworking space is all about. She described feedback thus far as “amazing.”
“Beginning with our grand opening, we truthfully didn’t know what to expect as far as turnout for that event,” Clabaugh said. “But we were absolutely blown away with the number of people who were interested in coming out to see the space, and the level of excitement they all had about the concept in their community.”
To learn more about Brick & Mortar, and possibly set up a tour, visit the company’s website here.
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