Politics & Government
Competitor Opposes La Grange Coworking Space Proposal
Downtown La Grange already has 17,000 square feet of coworking space, the competitor said.
LA GRANGE, IL – A competitor has spoken out against a proposed coworking space in downtown La Grange.
In November, the village's Plan Commission recommended approval of a permit for Brick and Mortar, 30 S. La Grange Road. The Village Board plans to vote on the issue Monday.
The building in question is the site of the old Nicksons Eatery, which closed three years ago. Last March, a village official referred to the building as a "thorn in everyone's side."
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The village code allows co-working space downtown, but it requires the first-floor frontage to be retail or dining. A restaurant is set for the first floor and coworking space for the first and second.
At a Plan Commission meeting in November, Tim Griseta of Enclave Coworking said the zoning code requires an analysis of whether a proposed use is necessary, desirable and a public convenience for the space.
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As it is, the village has 17,000 square feet of coworking space, including Enclave's, within a six-block radius, he said. He said the offerings of Enclave and Brick and Mortar are identical.
Resident Michael Healy said he enjoys walking in downtown La Grange and that he believes more retail is better than offices.
He said he would like to start a retail business and that the building in question would be ideal.
According to Brick and Mortar's proposal, the first floor would include BOA Acai restaurant, with BOA standing for "Brazil's Organic Acai." The business operates eateries at suburban farmers markets.
The co-working space is set to include 15 single-occupancy offices (work booths), two mid-sized meeting rooms, two conference rooms, and three large open spaces for gathering, eating and meeting. A café is also planned for coworking participants.
To use the offices, patrons can buy hourly or daily passes or memberships. Brick and Mortar also has sites in Deerfield, Park Ridge and Glen Ellyn.
A coworking space is for those who are self-employed or working for different businesses. Participants share equipment.
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