Thanks to modern technology, it has never been easier to work for yourself. For the 2024 tax year, current IRS data shows more than 16% of U.S. taxpayers filed a Schedule C tax form, meaning they earned income as a small business owner, freelancer or gig worker.
Working for yourself comes with many perks, not the least of which is the ability to work from home. However, as many seasoned self-employed workers can tell you, working from home isn’t always ideal. From the pile of laundry waiting to be folded to the family member interrupting your train of thought, there is no shortage of distractions to pull you away from the task at hand.
The solution for some? A coworking space that allows people to go to “the office,” get their work done and return home with their to-do list complete.
Until this January, Lowell residents had to travel to Grand Rapids or East Grand Rapids to find a coworking spot. However, there is now an option just down Fulton Street at Worklab by Custer in Ada.
What Worklab in Ada Offers
The Ada coworking space is the second location for Worklab, which has a 10,000 square foot workspace in downtown Grand Rapids. The Ada location is roughly half the size but has most of the same amenities. It can be found at 496 Ada Drive, on the second floor above the restaurant MudPenny.
“We try to give people multiple settings to work,” says owner Mark Custer. He says designing a great work experience is a priority, and he and his staff have worked hard to “think of everything.”
Workers in Ada get access to a lounge area with a variety of seating options from tables to cozy chairs by a fire. Free snacks and drinks are provided, and workers have access to a fridge and microwave to bring their own meals as well. There is also free copying, printing and scanning available.
Private phone booths can be reserved for making phone calls or videoconferencing. There are also larger meeting rooms that can be reserved for an additional price, and these come with free meals for meeting participants.
While part-time and full-time memberships are available for those who plan to use the space on a regular basis, workers can also gain access with a day pass or punch card.
“It’s a really easy way if you want to get out of the house once in a while,” Custer says.
Businesses can also rent a dedicated, private office at Worklab, but all those spaces in Ada are spoken for.
Meeting Demand in Eastern Kent County
Worklab has been open in downtown Grand Rapids for more than a decade, but Custer says he has seen demand growing to the east.
“Even before COVID, we noticed a shift to more work-from-home environments,” he says.
At one point, Custer looked for a spot in Lowell to expand Worklab but wasn’t able to locate an available building that would meet the business’s needs. Then, the Ada Village project took off and everything fell into place.
“The demographics fit really well,” according to Custer. He notes there are a significant number of business owners nearby, and the Ada Village is a walkable area with restaurants, bars and shops.
Although coffee shops and libraries are popular spots for self-employed workers, Custer says they can be busy, noisy places that aren’t always conducive for calls or video meetings. What’s more, their hours may be restricted.
Full-time members of Worklab are able to access both the Ada and Grand Rapids coworking locations 24 hours a day. Part-time and punch card members can use the Ada space during business hours when concierge and experience manager Amy Lam is on hand.
“It’s a very comfortable, peaceful environment where you are pretty much guaranteed a seat,” Custer says. While about 25 members currently belong to the Ada location, Custer says coworking is similar to a gym in that everyone isn’t there at the same time.
How to Join Worklab
If you are interested in taking a tour of Worklab, no appointment is necessary. Stop by anytime during business hours and Lam can show you around. Or purchase a pass and use the space for the entire day.
“The best way to see if it works for you is to come try it for a day,” Custer says.
To learn more about Worklab by Custer, including plan pricing, visit their website. You can also follow the company on Facebook.
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