Independents Hall Philadelphia

Meet IndyHall again, for the first time

Filed under: Announcements, Community Support, coworking, From the Business Side, In The News, Independents Hall

On April 7th, 2009, Geoff and I signed a lease for a new clubhouse for the IndyHall community to work from. Almost immediately, the planning began, because we knew that our occupancy would begin on May 1st and we wanted our members to be able to work from the space as close to day one as possible.

Over the following 4 weeks, we budgeted and set milestones. Demolition began almost immediately on the new space, connecting the two 2200 square foot units with an open archway to allow easy movement between them.

Desks were built.

Paint colors were selected. Paint went up on the walls.

We hung over 3000 feet of gigabit ethernet from a custom-designed overhead cable management solution, designed by our own members. We pulled together furniture from so many sources, including our old office (now being affectionately referred to as “IndyHall Classic”, plenty more Ikea, and even some pieces hand-made by friends within the awesome community of Philadelphia.

The newspapers even wrote about what we were up to.

On friday, we moved. On Monday morning, our first official work day in the new space will begin.

IndyHall has been re-imagined, and not just by Geoff and I. It’s come together in one of the most magical collaborative processes I’ve ever had the privilege of being a part of. If you ever ask me it’s important to build a coworking community before a space, the last 4 weeks are the reason why.

Building a community space alone defeats the purpose. Building a community space with the community that will call it home. That makes sense.

I’m fearful of thanking everyone by name for leaving someone out, so I’m going to thank EVERYONE who put any moment of time, any drop of sweat, any bit of contribution into the move. In less than 4 weeks, we went from a shell of two rooms into one of the most incredible work spaces…a workspace fit for one of the most incredible communities in Philadelphia.

This past weekend we celebrated, after weeks of planning a party along with our friends from Mashable.com and all of our amazing sponsors, and turned May 1st 2009 into a night to remember. I can’t take credit for the fireworks (though I’ve thought about it), but clearly somebody knew we were up to something big. SO many amazing people came from all over the place, including San Francisco, New York, and DC.

Saturday night, we continued the most epic Philadelphia geekend with IgnitePhilly3, co-organized by Geoff and a number of other incredible people from all corners of the coolest things in Philly. Ignite’s grown up alongside IndyHall, and while we don’t officially have any direct involvement in the event a number of our members presented and completely rocked. Philly is truly inspiring, because it is so inspired.

Today was finishing touches. We wired up our speakers. We cleaned. The final arrangements to follow through on my commitment of desks, chairs, power, and internet, are complete.

Starting tomorrow, Monday May 4th, IndyHall is re-opened on the 2nd floor of 20 North 3rd Street, across from the corner of 3rd and Church Streets in Old City Philadelphia. We’re far from done, but we’re ready for you.

Our sincerest thanks and love go out to each and every one of you.

It’s my pleasure to re-introduce you to IndyHall. Please come meet IndyHall again, for the first time.