A Desk of One's Own: A Guide to Coworking in Greater Baltimore

Coworking blossomed centuries ago when artists first shared studio space to save on rent. The modern twist teams up itinerant independent workers with open-plan workspaces built to spark interaction and business among people with different jobs. [See main story.] They typically offer WiFi, a conference room, a kitchenette and coffee.
 
Four coworking spaces ring the Inner Harbor, with several others in the counties. Their hours vary and so does your chance of getting the same desk each time. Pricing is comparable, and sites distinguish themselves with a certain vibe or particular amenities. Check out the foosball table at Smartly Spaced LLC or the patio and shower at Cowork Frederick. Canton’s Beehive Baltimore offers library-like quiet while Capital Studios lures clients in with high ceilings and polished concrete floors.
 
The newest coworking spot, Betamore, plans to open in Federal Hill this week with classroom space where tech wizards can teach the community.
 
Here’s a breakdown of what you get at these shared spaces:
 
NAME: 716 Broadway
COST: 1 day/month, $25; 3 days/week, $195/month, 7 days/week (full-time), $295/month
OPENED: Sept 1.
FUTURE PLANS: expand from 7 to 10-20 members; maybe turn the rowhouse top floor kitchen and open room into lounge area
CLIENTS: e-commerce management and web design site, search engine optimization startup, operator of online necktie swap service knotfriends.com
AMENITIES: Full-timers get designated desks and 24/7 access; everybody gets conference room access and use of the mailing address.
CONTACT: www.716broadway.org, spaces@716 broadway.org
LOCATION: 716 Broadway, Fells Point, upstairs from Quiznos and next to The Greene Turtle
 
NAME: Beehive Baltimore
COST: 1 day/month, $25; once weekly, $70/month; 3 days/week, $150/month; 7 days/week (full-time), $250/month
OPENED: February 2009
FUTURE PLANS: The Emerging Technology Centers, an arm of the quasi-public Baltimore Development Corp. took over the Beehive from Newt Fowler, Dave Troy and Stephen Muirhead six months ago. ETC plans to keep Beehive in its current location.
CLIENTELE: include a photographer, a Web developer and the operator of modernitalian.org, a web portal for lovers of Italian culture, travel and food
AMENITIES: Full-time members get 24/7 access, a mailbox and a dedicated desk. 1,700 square feet.
CONTACT: beehivebaltimore.org, [email protected]
LOCATION: The Can Company 2400 Boston St., suite 308

NAME: Betamore
COST: inaugural rates guaranteed for first 3 months: part-time, $175/month; full-time, $300/month; no daily rate available
OPENED: Dec. 3
FUTURE PLANS: members are encouraged to teach classes
CLIENTELE: more than 50 applicants, members not announced yet
AMENITIES: Full-timers get 24/7 access, a dedicated desk in a secure office and private locker. Part-timers get access Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m., with limited conference room time.
CONTACT: www.betamore.com, [email protected]
LOCATION: 1111 Light St., Federal Hill
 
NAME: Capital Studios
COST: 1 day, $25; 24/7 access with unassigned desk, $300/month; 24/7 access with designated desk, $350/month
OPENED: July 2011
FUTURE PLANS: adding 1,000 square feet including conference room, private phone room and 15-16 more desks; opening spring 2013
CLIENTELE: includes a private equity investor, a children’s book publisher and a juice bar startup
AMENITIES: 3,700 square feet, white boards, up to 47 dedicated desks. Members get 100 copies/month; daily users pay 10 cents a copy.
CONTACT: www.capital-studios.com, [email protected]
LOCATION: near Little Italy at 1300 Bank Street, across the hall from Mustang Alleys
 
OUTSIDE BALTIMORE:
 
NAME: Smartly Spaced
COST: 1 day, $25; $97/month or $997/year for common area; $800/month for dedicated office, $1,000/month for office with window
OPENED: June 2011
FUTURE PLANS: shifting emphasis to coworking in common space, ordering round tables to increase worker interaction
CLIENTELE: consultants in business, customer service, communications and construction management
AMENITIES: business development library, TV/audio recording studio access, 7 dedicated offices, 2 foosball tables
CONTACT: www.smartlyspaced.com, [email protected]
LOCATION: 1302 Concourse Dr., Suite 204, Linthicum Heights
 
NAME: Cowork Frederick
COST: 1 day/month, $25; up to 5 days/month, $75; 3 days/week, $185/month; 5 days/week (full-time), $275/month
OPENED: September
FUTURE PLANS: adding 24/7 access
CLIENTELE: consultants in human resources, marketing and communications, art and design, new media
AMENITIES: patio, shower, multipurpose room seating up to 45. Full-timers get access 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. with 20 hours of reserved conference room time
CONTACT:  301-732-5165, [email protected], www.coworkfrederick.com
LOCATION: 122 E. Patrick St., Frederick