Real estate investment and development firm The Domain Companies is at the center of the latest big news in New Orleans’ entrepreneurial scene. The company plans to open a new coworking space at the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) called The Shop.
The Shop will be modeled after successful coworking spaces such as WeWork, which has over 50,000 members in 111 locations across 30 cities. The Domain Companies wants to provide members with more than just a beautiful, historic space, but also with programming, amenities, and more.
“Coworking spaces strengthen the economy and promote job and business growth. We’re thrilled to introduce a coworking space for creative professionals to Downtown New Orleans, and there is no better place to do it than the CAC,” said Matt Schwartz, The Domain Companies Principal.
The Domain Companies is developing the area into an innovation corridor that will support innovation, entrepreneurship, and culture in New Orleans.
With plans to open next summer, The Shop will have space for 350-400 professionals. The Domain Companies and The Idea Village, a non-profit that supports entrepreneurship in the city, will both be moving into the new space.
The innovation corridor will be the new home of New Orleans Entrepreneur Week in the spring, which is organized by The Idea Village.
“We envision The Shop as a vibrant community of individuals and small businesses connecting with one another and New Orleans,” continued Schwartz. “The Idea Village is the perfect partner in creating a new innovation corridor, an impactful organization successfully supporting entrepreneurship, connectivity, and culture in New Orleans.”
The Shop will primarily serve arts and cultural-based entrepreneurs and businesses. In addition to the many museums in the area, other organizations in the area include the Greater New Orleans Foundation headquarters, the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), and AIA New Orleans Center for Design.