Local 64 Insights

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lars hasselblad torres

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Jun 13, 2012, 6:09:04 PM6/13/12
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Hi Coworking colleagues,

I thought I'd share a few insights from how we're set up over here at Local 64, in case its helpful or instructive for any of you setting up new working spaces. If I had to describe our infrastructure, I'd say its light and rock solid. The carbon nanotube construction of space management. Here goes:
- We've developed four tiers of membership: "Settlers" are office owners by the month $275/mo; "Nomads" are shared space users by the month ($65/mo); "Visitors" buy 5 day passes per month ($35/mo); and "Day Trippers" purchase by the day ($15/day). So far, the "Nomad" seems very popular, and we've rented all our offices (only three, two of them doubled up)
- Membership (we're up to 21) is piped through Cobot.me; it has its limits, but is very effective for what it does, including member invoicing. Planning to get Wifi check-in enabled in the next few weeks to support better self-regulation at the space (know when its busy, less busy, etc)
- Payments are being handled through Paypal, Square, and cash/check. Square, while a bit on the pricey side, is incredibly smooth and easy to use, with automated nightly deposits
- We provide Wifi through a kick@$$ Netgate router recommended by Cobot; it offers infinite flexibility and customization with a very robust range - members can pick it up at locations up and down the block!
- In addition to providing MW95 access for all members, we're getting some great public programs on the calendar after hours, including weeknight and weekend workshops. I'd be interested in knowing what systems you use to create a robust community platform (help members maintain profiles, manage scheduling/calendaring, blog, email announce, etc).
- General communication and outreach is managed through Tumblr (our blog/web presence at local64.com), Google groups (email announce, members only) and MailChimp (growing outreach list of about 200 interested community members). Its all a bit unwieldy but we don't have the resources to plow into developing an integrated system. I'd love to hear what others do from an integrated workflow.
- Access is managed in two ways: members with an office have their own keys, for 24/7 access; "nomads" have 9-5/M-F access through a buzzer to a first-floor door (we're in a second floor space). I'd love to find a great keycard access system that can integrate with a membership management system - if anyone has ideas, please share!

Well, that's about it - lots of small stuff but I wanted to share these deets. You can see some pics of the space at http://local64.com

Very best,

lars
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Twitter & Skype | lhtorres






Alex Hillman

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Jun 13, 2012, 6:38:49 PM6/13/12
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Awesome update Lars! Thanks for sharing.

For the members you've gotten so far, do you know how most of them are finding out about you?
- Access is managed in two ways: members with an office have their own keys, for 24/7 access; "nomads" have 9-5/M-F access through a buzzer to a first-floor door (we're in a second floor space). I'd love to find a great keycard access system that can integrate with a membership management system - if anyone has ideas, please share!
We've got a similar setup, and with our recent expansion decided to try to streamline the buzzer workflow. Starting this week we've implemented a new system for all non-keyholding members that I'm looking forward to being able to share more about soon!

-Alex


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Toni Hogan

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Jun 13, 2012, 7:15:21 PM6/13/12
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Try www.groupspaces.com for an affordable integrated system.

Toni Hogan
> Well, that's about it - lots of small stuff but I wanted to share these deets. You can see some pics of the space athttp://local64.com

Liu Yan

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Jun 13, 2012, 9:45:43 PM6/13/12
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alex, 

we use a finger-print system in which you could easily manage your member's access.

cheers, Liu Yan

Craig Baute - Creative Density Coworking

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Jun 20, 2012, 3:22:09 PM6/20/12
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Lars,

Thanks for the awesome info. For an entry system we have a key code system where members simply create their own code so I don't have to worry about purchasing cards. It really has made my life easier as an owner.

It is always valuable when us space owner give a brief summary of our spaces and encourage more spaces to do so.

Craig
Creative Density

Chris Johnson

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Jun 20, 2012, 3:32:50 PM6/20/12
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What kind of volume? There are several solutions that can be connected via wifi and integrate via APIs.  I was just at EHX Integration show in Orlando this April and they demo'd a solution that I think would meet your requirements.

Chris

Toni Hogan

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Jun 20, 2012, 3:49:10 PM6/20/12
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Awesome! We have a panic/exit bar on our front door that remains
locked. There's noway to put the lock in the unlocked position without
a key. I just found quite a few inexpensive keyless entry options,
sparked by this conversation. :-)

TH

On Jun 20, 2:22 pm, Craig Baute - Creative Density Coworking
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