Local Works growing into new, larger space

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Lowcountry Local First is planning to relocate and expand its Local Works coworking space to a new office redevelopment off King Street Extension.

Local Works will relocate just west of its current location on upper Meeting Street to a 5,181-square-foot space in Lumberyard, at 1834-1859 Summerville Ave.

The move to a larger space will allow safe social distancing practices to be implemented, the organization said in a news release announcing the move.

“Businesses need a place to escape for productivity but need to do so safely. We’ll be here to support them again starting this fall,” said Steve Fletcher, Lowcountry Local First’s community and partnership manager.

The space will have 26 full-time spaces, eight private offices, five semiprivate offices, three phone booths, two conference rooms, two lounge areas, a kitchen and a covered patio.

Amenities will include high-speed Wi-Fi, daily cleaning service, on-site parking and bike racks, and proximity to bus lines and the Lowcountry Lowline as well as the brewery district and restaurants.

The nonprofit launched Local Works in 2014 to target local-independent businesses and entrepreneurs from diverse sectors.

The space, being developed by RCB Development, is being designed by Charleston architect David Thompson. Lowcountry Local First said it will source decor and amenities from local craftspeople, makers, coffee roasters and artists.

In addition to offering coworking space,  Lowcountry Local First plans to use the new space to plan and host community events and workshops.

“Local Works thrives on the collaboration and engagement of its community members, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to expand to a larger space this year, allowing for more entrepreneurs, artists and businesses to join our local family,” Fletcher said.