Collaborative work space opens in Mundelein

DENMAC Properties LLC, a development company in Lake County has launched Mundelein's first collaborative office and event space.

The facility at 914 N. Lake St. provides office space, co-working, conference and events facility.

The Office Clubhouse, the brainchild of Lawrence 'Mac' Goodwin, is an initiative designed to solve problems for affordable commercial space and bringing customers and entrepreneurs together, a situation many people face in the North Chicago suburbs. By adding a new space for small companies to have a physical location, individuals to have meetings and network with other telecommuters, study groups or traveling professionals in a business casual environment at budget rates, Goodwin is hoping to capitalize on the changing landscape.

An increase in self-employment, as well as advancements in technology, is changing how people work. This is evident in every neighborhood cafe: laptop screens, conference calls while drinking coffee and crowded tables. Freelancers, independent consultants, financial experts, telecommuters, and other people working from home are looking for new and affordable places to work, connect with customers or get away from the distractions.

Goodwin, formerly an IT executive at Citi, knows that companies have been taking long looks at their brick-and-mortar expenses for specific functions: "With the availability of faster internet speeds and the enablement of better security when employees log in remotely, its common sense to review the costs associated with space and the frequency in which employees are using that space. For example, if it costs $50 per day in some major city downtown high-rise for an employee to have a cubicle, and that employee is now coming into the office only 3 days a week, you can quickly see there's an opportunity."

The facility, previously a 1,400 square foot hair salon, underwent extensive renovation and an 842 square foot addition over an 8-month period. "It was important for us to be connected to the downtown area and add in things like business class internet, a high-tech video conference room, private offices, lounge area, coffee bar, vending area. We think our customers want alternatives to working from their own homes and access to services or environments they can't get at home but are accustomed to getting at an office. Working from a coffee house or library does not provide the same effect as our facility."

The 2,200 square-foot space is equipped with:

• 3 distinct private rentable office spaces with plans available that can have their brand promoted both internally and externally

• A conference room with a high-tech video system

• Multiple large TV/presentation monitors and Business-Class internet

• Whiteboards, chalkboards, network printer, fax, copier and shredder

• Specialty Coffee / Ice Tea Bar, vending and refrigeration spaces

• Lounge, Massage Chair, collaboration space, Video gaming rental

• Quick access to public transportation and restaurants

• Climate controlled, clean, ADA accessible