Workantile Exchange opens up in downtown Ann Arbor

If the Workantile Exchange had a slogan it would be that "New ideas happen in old spaces."

The new co-working space in downtown Ann Arbor is bringing an old storefront back to its late 19th Century splendor as a place for new economy start-ups and entrepreneurs to focus on reinventing business.

"It's a place for free agents or independent contractors," says Mike Kessler, co-owner of Workantile Exchange. "For $100 a month they get access to facilities that are conducive to getting work done."

Those work facilities include two conference rooms, a kitchenette, a phone room, a loft area for training and even a cafe space. The coffee shop part is in the front of the space on 118 S Main St., the old Arcadian Antiques space.

Kessler and his partners returned the 3,000 square feet of space to is late 1800s feel. They brought back the original ceiling and exposed the brick walls.

It's working so far. The Workantile Exchange has attracted nearly 60 members, averaging 2-3 a day since opening in May. It hopes to reach 150 members within its first year.

Source: Mike Kessler, co-owner of Workantile Exchange
Writer: Jon Zemke
Enjoy this story? Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.