Dupage Policy Journal

After Robert Kellman and his wife began working from home in the Chicago suburbs with young kids, they quickly began seeking co-working space to get away but their options were limited.

“In the city of Chicago, there are millions of coworking places,” Kellman told the DuPage Policy Journal. “You can't walk 10 feet without tripping over one, but they simply didn’t exist out here and to the extent they do, they look more like insurance offices, not someplace that we actually wanted to spend a lot of time and work.”

The couple launched Enclave in Glen Ellyn two years ago in response to the dearth of hipster co-working spaces.

“There's a lot of distractions at home and so having a space that is very local, very affordable and very comfortable has proven successful,” Kellman said.

This week, the Kellmans launched their second Enclave co-working space just 10 miles away in Downers Grove.

“If people are interested, they can book a tour by calling or emailing us and their first month will be free,” Kellman said. “We're encouraging everyone to do that quickly before core spaces fill up.”

The Enclave is not just any working space. It’s subscription-based with a limited number of memberships that include high-speed internet, conference rooms, a temperature-controlled wine cellar to store bring-your-own-bottle favorites, social events, snacks, coffee, tea, water and soft drinks.

“Lawyers, real estate agents, financial advisers, advertising folks and pretty much everyone who used to go to the city of Chicago five days a week is now staying in Downers Grove two to three days a week,” Kellman said. “It's those folks who are looking for a place to go, which is a reflection of the new working reality.”

The Enclave's promise to enhance the new and collective working reality includes evening and weekend access for just $95 a month as well as full daytime and evening access for $115 a month. Members who want intermittent access to both co-working clubs can pay an extra $30 per month. Couples can become members together with $125.

“A lot of people have wanted somewhere that's close to home and local that affords them the privacy and quiet they need to work while also being more comfortable and accessible than the local library or Starbucks,” Kellman added. “Others will come more often in the evening and use our bar and social area for an after-work drink to catch up with a friend or spouse. Most of our members, though, will use the Enclave for both purposes.”