Collaborative Office Space Encourages Professional Interaction

For the business professional in need of working space, Towson has a new option besides your basement, local coffee shop or cafe.

The Offices at 303, housed in a renovated old parsonage at 303 W. Allegheny Avenue, opened approximately three weeks ago for those seeking to work in an office environment. For $247 a month, professionals can work in an office alongside like-minded individuals.

"To rent out typical office space, you might end up having to pay $1,000 a month," said Bob Graham, a member and leasing manager of The Offices at 303. "You have to worry about refilling supplies...but now that's not your problem."

Mary Cate Claudias, owner of Charm City Organizers, has used the space since it first opened, and has benefited most from mingling with other business professionals. She said The Offices at 303 have allowed her to market her company—which specializes in finding permanent solutions to staying organized in the home and office—to a wider network, and brainstorm ideas with others using the service.

"It's a great benefit for me that I've been able to get in contact with all these people I might not have otherwise," said Claudias, who recently gained input from other professionals for her "No Mess, No Stress" organization boot camp for businesses.

Tom Brush, a local consultant for Transworld Systems, a national cash flow management company based in Hunt Valley, shared Claudius' sentiments, and noted that the space was a good spot to get some work done between appointments around the region. 

"As somebody who is out and about, it's good to have a place to plant myself," said Brush, who works with customers throughout the greater Towson area.

David Wren has owned Computer MD, a holistic information technology company, for nearly 11 years. He works with small businesses that have between one and 75 computers on ways to enhance technology use.

Wren said he enjoys having a business environment to get paperwork done, without the noise and spotty wireless service common at coffee shops.

"I also get to be around people—collaborating, fleshing out ideas," Wren said. "I'm not in business by myself anymore."

Although Graham said the number of co-working offices is increasing, the range of services and amenities—which includes secure WiFi, free on-site parking, an office manager and a copier/printer/scanner—sets The Offices at 303 apart. The center also offers private offices, conference and meeting rooms and hosts networking events.

Graham, who also owns Bigger Pie Strategies, a small business marketing company, also takes advantage of the collaborative atmosphere of The Offices, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on business days.

"It brings me in touch with business people, and their ideas," he said.

For more information, visit The Offices at 303 website.