What is it: A new spot for those looking to switch up their daily work environment is about to open in Perkins Township.
Work Space is, as the name suggests, a space where people can work. Owner/operator Kara Groff noticed that Erie County did not have a similar business, and, seeing that larger cities have successful coworking spaces, decided to bring one to Sandusky. The business, Groff noted in a recent email interview, is in response to the need for flexible workflow and business options.
“Our focus will not only be on providing the space to work, but to foster a community of people to support one another, share ideas, and grow their businesses,” Groff says. “Many entrepreneurs are looking for support when starting up, and we want to partner with some of the amazing organizations already established under the
[Greater Sandusky Partnership] to offer space for events, speaker series, and networking events. The more members we have join Work Space in different industries, the more we will be able to collaborate and share resources.”
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Courtesy of Work SpaceA private office gives members multiple seating options.The new business is located at 1521 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky, next to
Groff Funeral Homes and Crematory Sandusky Chapel. It is also right across the street from Groff’s event venue,
The Legacy Center, and their retail store,
The Remembrance Center.
“This location was selected because it is in the heart of many of the other Groff Family Services brands,” Groff says. “This stretch of Perkins Avenue is centrally located, giving people an option for meeting and event space in Perkins Township.”
Membership options: Work Space will offer daily and weekly passes to its open seating work area, which will be equipped with high-speed internet, printing services, private phone booth areas, individual and group work areas – all in a comfortable and productive work environment, Groff says.
Those daily and weekly passes are perfect for people coming into town to go to Cedar Point, Sports Force, or other area attractions.
“Companies can utilize our space as they come into town for team building and executive meetings before enjoying all that Erie Shores and Islands has to offer,” Groff says.
Monthly and annual memberships also will include 24-hour facility access, complimentary use of additional resources, partner perks and discounts from local businesses, and access to Work Space’s community of professionals. That community access includes a contact directory, a newsfeed so individuals can market themselves and their businesses, and educational and networking events.
An option for virtual memberships will include mailbox services and attendance at live-streamed events. Members also have the option to rent a dedicated desk in a shared office, a private office, or an executive suite. Shared resources will include hourly meeting and board rooms, an auditorium with a stage, and a content creation studio idea for vloggers and TikTok creators, all of which can be rented hourly by members or non-members.
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Courtesy of Work SpaceNatural light pours through a window in a private office at Work Space.“Our mission is to support entrepreneurs and professionals,” Groff says, “to provide a place to work, be productive and network - whether you live here or are just visiting.”
Hours of operation: Work Space will offer normal business hours where the front desk will be staffed to accept mail and deliveries, answer questions, provide tours, and tidy up spaces. Most of the passes, memberships and resource bookings will happen via the custom Work Space app, Groff says.
“Once you become a member or book a space, you will use your app for keyless entry to the main doors, and resource space doors during your selected times,” she continues. “For those members with 24-hour access, they will be able to come and go as needed to maximize their productivity.”
What’s next: A secondary phase of the project is the inclusion of a coffee bar and café. Patrons will not need to be members to grab a healthy breakfast or lunch alternative at the cafe, Groff says.
Keeping it local: Many local businesses are helping to make Work Space a reality, including Byington Builders, MW Interior Styling, MGX Technologies, Brady Signs, Gilbert Plumbing, Sunrise Electric, Roof MDs, and Ninke Lawn Service. Additionally, Rachel Losey is working with Groff as Work Space’s marketing specialist to help with the business launch.
Groff also credits
Shores & Islands Ohio for the organization’s help in making Work Space come to fruition.
“Erie Shores & Islands selected us as a grant recipient and we are really looking forward to partnering with them,” Groff says.
How to get involved: For information on Work Space, visit the
business website, email
[email protected], or call 567-417-9675.