A Creative Collaboration for Crystal Lake’s New Coworking Space

Originally home to Crystal Lake’s first fire station, 135 Beardsley is now the site of a creative collaboration between two local businesswomen. During the day, the 3,000-square-foot loft space is used by a new coworking space, Cowork Crystal Lake, and at night and weekends it functions as a paint-and-sip studio for Muse Art.

Cowork Crystal Lake was founded by Vanessa Baker, owner of Fast Forward Marketing. Baker ran her thriving digital marketing business from a home office. She experienced first hand the pain and isolation that come with working from home and sought to find a resolution. In 2016, Baker founded a coworking meetup group of 119 members who gathered to cowork together at different coffee houses twice per week.

Last year, the group began to research local commercial spaces. Group members quickly realized the challenge of finding a suitable location in the highly popular Downtown Crystal Lake area.

At the same time, Heather Muse, the owner of Muse Art was seeking to share her space.

“I felt it was silly to have this great space go unused during the business day,” Muse said. A mutual friend introduced Muse and Baker over wine and appetizers, and the businesswomen hashed out a plan to collaborate and share space.

Cowork Crystal Lake opened May 1, and offers self-employed and virtual employees an escape from the isolation of working from home. Members enjoy collaborating in an open space with natural light brought in by large 12 foot tall windows. They have the added bonus of using a private event space for client meetings and hosting events. Visitors feel productive and inspired by the creative and fun environment of working in an art studio, the owners said.

Linda Grizely, owner of The Art of Tenacity, recently completed a workshop at the site.

“I absolutely love the energy here!” Grizely said. “What a great place for remote workers, solopreneurs and freelancers to thrive. I have known Vanessa Baker for years and admire her hard work in putting together this new venture while still running her existing business Fast Forward Marketing. The strategic partnership with MUSE ART & CO. is a fantastic use of space.”

More information about Cowork Crystal Lake is available by visiting crystallakecowork.com.

Membership Amenities

The following amenities are available to all members:

· Free access to reserved event space and private entrance

· Mentoring program

· Internship program

· Secure space with keyless access

· Free snacks, Intelligentsia coffee and water

· 5G WiFi Internet

· Community manager

· Learning and social events

· Free parking right outside

· Mailbox

· IT support

· Discounts to local businesses

Price Listing

From $175/month

Complimentary one-week pass

Contact Information

Vanessa Baker

815-451-5230

vanessa@crystallakecowork.com

135 Beardsley St., Crystal Lake, Illinois, 60014