Carmel is about to get a clearer picture of exactly what Justin Moffett’s Midtown Plan will look like, including announcements of anchor tenants.
The $100-million-plus planned unit development was unanimously approved by the Carmel City Council on March 2 and while there’s still work to be done – such as securing public funding for a parking garage – Moffett’s Old Town Design Group has begun negotiating deals with several companies to fill its spaces.
This week, Moffett is announcing that a 20,000 square-foot “coworking space” that will include a public café featuring coffee and cocktails.
Edison Business Lounge will offer 40 to 50 private offices – and around 50 other alternative desk spaces – for small companies and independent workers who need office space without renting a whole building. The idea behind a “coworking space” is not just about cost-cutting, but it’s a way for businesses to connect with each other and develop new relationships.
William Waldren, founder, said they will offer all amenities that their members require including conference rooms and on-call IT staff. There will also be business seminars and mentorship programs that benefit all members.
“You can get a desk anywhere,” he said. “But in addition to getting them a desk, we try to break down any barriers standing in their way to succeed.”
On the ground floor, there will be a café restaurant serving, “breakfast, lunch and happy hour” to serve the office workers upstairs. Waldren said it will be similar to a Starbucks but with healthier food. Anyone from the public can also stop by the café for a quick meal or to hold a business meeting and even if you’re not a member in the co-working space, you can pay a fee to rent a nearby conference room.
Waldren said his company was attracted to the Midtown project because he thinks it will be very appealing to today’s busy professionals looking for a comfortable space to work.
“I love the warehouse vibe,” he said. “I love that it’s on the Monon. There are so many amenities. It’s extraordinarily appealing to our users.”
NEXT WEEK: A well-known corporate headquarters will occupy 80,000-square-foot in one of the Midtown buildings.
