Where to start

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Coworking in Detroit/Ann Arbor

Coworking in Detroit/Ann Arbor

Objective

I am interested in organizing a coworking environment in the Metro Detroit/Ann Arbor area for independent web workers, designers, startup entrepreneurs, writers and freelancers who want to enjoy a shared space and network with like-minded folks.

Here are some of the necessary amenities that come to mind:

An old converted industrial structure/loft with character
Comfy lounge area, large tables for collaboration and smaller individual cubbies
Shared conference room with multimedia equipment
Located in a trendy, walkable and fun part of town
Located close to major highways and coffee joints
High-speed wireless internet
Automated, integrated voicemail system & physical mailing address for your business
On site tech support
Print/Copy/Fax/Binding availabilities
Discounted rates and daily pick up with shipping services such as FedEx and UPS
A room (dirty) for projects such as mock-ups where cutting and glueing may be required

I'm looking for feedback/comments on the amenities above, locations, and etc. Please add your thoughts on this wiki and add your name to the list if you are interested. You can also send me an email.

Group members

Jeff (email me)
Mike (email me)
Dave (email me)
Nick (email me)
David (email me)
Henry Balanon(email me) - I'll be working remotely doing Java for Cynergy Systems (based in DC) starting August 6, 2007
Scott (email me)- Animation/VFX/Founder of the Creative Energy Alliance
Brahm (email me)
Edward Vielmetti (email me)
Naoko (email me) - web developer

Suggested locations

Midtown Detroit
Royal Oak
Depot Town (Ypsilanti)
Ann Arbor (Kerrytown or Downtown)
Rochester

City	Specific streets/blocks	Notes
Midtown Detroit	Woodbridge neighborhood or Cultural Center	The benefits of being near Wayne State
Royal Oak	11 Mile east or west of Main Street	Great atmosphere of being near downtown R.O.
Ypsilanti	Depot Town	A few blocks from Eastern Mich Campus and great selection of pubs and parks and museums with a nightlife
Ann Arbor	Kerrytown district or down town	Great area, close to Googles new offices(might be able to draw in some more creative minds to the atmosphere, close to University of Michigan, great community atmosphere, great resturants, pubs, and nightlife for late night business meetings with clients, honestly couldn't think of a better place!
Rochester	Somewhere near mainstreet	Old houses near downtown zoned for commercial use. New live-work lofts also nearby. Near Rochester College and Oakland University. Restaurants (Rochester Mills brew pub, Paint Creek tavern, Golden Gate Indian Cuisine, Kruse & Muir, Chop House, Sumo Sushi, etc.) and coffee (Starbucks) within walking distance. Also accessible by Paint Creek Trail and Clinton River Trail.

Meetings

When should we meet?

Who	When I can meet
Jeff	M-F, 7pm-10pm; Weekends, Flexible
Dave	Flexible
Nick	Flexible
Scott	Daytimes flexible for now 9:30a- 3p
Donn	Daytimes and afternoons (Mondays are tough)
Brahm	Some weekday evenings, weekends.