The new Level Office Downtown won’t officially open for more than three weeks, but about one-third of the first phase already is leased.
“It has been terrific. People really saw the vision,” said Susan Moore, center manager.
After more than $4 million in acquisition and renovation costs, two floors of the four-story former 4th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office building at Forsyth and Market streets have been transformed into co-working space, private offices and office suites with amenities, including a refrigerator stocked with snacks, a coffee and espresso bar and local craft beer on tap.
Conference rooms and event spaces are available for clients and the public.
The concept is to provide office environments for entrepreneurs and startups that want short-term leases but also want top-line amenities at an outstanding address, Moore said.
Co-working space leases for $199 per month on a month-to-month basis. Private offices and suites start at $399 and $2,999 per month, respectively, with 12-month terms.
All clients have 24-hour secured access to the building at 25 N. Market St., along with high-speed direct-fiber internet and Wi-Fi.
Private offices and suites include VOIP telephone service with a private number, mail service, company logo on display in the reception area and on-site management.
Clients may bring their own furniture or Level Office will provide desks and chairs as needed. Painting the walls and hanging art work to personalize the space is encouraged, Moore said.
For those who want only the most basic services, a “virtual office” plan is offered.
“If all you need is an address and a place to receive and send mail and packages, we have what you need,” Moore said.
On the other end of the spectrum, larger spaces are available. The basement and top floor will be the second phase of the renovation.
“If a company needs space for 40 to 70 people, we can customize it for them,” Moore said.
Among the first clients are Susan and Bobby Knight. She’s an insurance agent with Aflac and he’s a commercial real estate broker.
They rented a private office so they can meet clients or work Downtown from time to time without having to commit to a long-term lease for more space than they need.
“It’s a great location and it sure beats working in my car or meeting at a coffee shop,” said Susan Knight.
They were inspired to look at Level Office because he sold the building in January to the parent company of the Chicago-based business.
"I said I needed a Downtown office and he said 'Come on, let me show you this building I just sold,'" said Susan Knight.
The grand opening of Level Office is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 8, with lunch, beverages, raffle prizes and tours.
Moore said everyone is invited and she’s hoping for a crowd — “come one, come all and bring a guest” — but she’d appreciate an RSVP at levelofficejax.splashthat.com.
(904) 356-2466