New coworking space fosters community & flexibility

STORY BY COURTNEY SCHMOLL | PHOTOS BY KURT HOSTETLER

@TheOffice, Henry County’s first coworking space, is up and running in downtown New Castle. Located at 1112 Broad St., @TheOffice offers a flexible, affordable alternative to the traditional office space.

As the number of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers continues to rise, so too does the popularity of coworking spaces. Shared workplaces like @TheOffice provide individuals and small businesses with the opportunity to collaborate, network, and access a range of amenities.

The 1,155-square-foot @TheOffice building offers open space, private offices, conference rooms, highspeed internet, printers, kitchen facilities, recording/ filming equipment, and more. The space gives a single person or an entire business all the resources of a traditional office.

“@TheOffice offers not just a place to work, but a community of like-minded individuals who can provide support, collaboration, and a sense of belonging,” said Cara Huffman, owner of @TheOffice and realtor/owner of F.C. Tucker/Crossroads in New Castle. “It’s a place where you can grow your business and expand your network, all while enjoying the flexibility and affordability that comes with a shared workspace.”

Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and independent workers in Indiana and beyond continue to prefer smaller, come-as-you-please workspaces to renting large and often-expensive business offices. Rather than being tied to a long-term lease, @TheOffice members can rent a desk, office space, or conference room—and all of the amenities—for as little as an hour or as long as several months. Day passes are also available for $45. Members can access the space seven days a week between 7 am and 9 pm and same-day bookings are often available.

In addition to curating @TheOffice’s menu of resources and services, Huffman carefully selected the space’s design elements. Modern, spacious, and full of natural light, artwork, comfortable seating, and games, the environment is lively and inviting for its future patrons.

As @TheOffice is now accepting members and conference room bookings, Huffman encourages the New Castle community and beyond to consider trying out the space for upcoming meetings and presentations, or just a place to work for the day.

“I hope that @TheOffice is a place that people can truly get started with their dreams and their visions,” she said. “When great minds come together, great things happen. Don’t be surprised if you get your next big idea, find inspiration, or create something spectacular while working here.”