The Garage Business Suites and Meeting Center in Akron takes the co-working concept to the next level

By Patricia Nugent

The trend of co-working spaces has exploded over the past few years. People are looking for a more flexible work environment that’s also conducive to networking and collaboration.

Newly opened, The Garage Business Suites and Meeting Center in Akron takes the co-working concept to the next level, with a luxurious and high-tech business-meets-pleasure venue that includes exclusive office space for rent, co-work spaces, meeting rooms, an outdoor courtyard and a sports bar and lounge—all decorated with an authentic classic car theme.

The brainchild of Rick Briggs, who likes classic cars, The Garage is a completely different take on executive workspace and shared office environments, far different than the excess repurposed spaces that have popped up. His vision is to make going to work enjoyable and a place where you can associate with like-minded individuals.

“If you like what you do in the right environment, you won’t work a day in your life,” says Rick. “I’ve created one of the most unique buildings people will ever experience.”

Colorful and Whimsical Décor
Steps into the lobby, you’ll meet “Manny Quinn,” a mannequin dressed in race car driver attire keeping a watchful eye on the tenants’ postal boxes. Walk down the “Wall of Fame” hallway and you’ll find wall art of automobiles made famous in nostalgic Hollywood movies.

Rick has a whimsical sense of humor, and even made throwback elements like the “Cone of Silence” and the “Shoe Phone” from the 1960s television show “Get Smart” part of the office décor.

The Garage is a perfect fit for single-person operators, such as accountants or salespersons, work-from-homers who would like occasional office space, meeting space or co-working space, or a professional organization or charity looking for an amazing event venue.

Within the building are both exclusive private office suites and common workspace in reservable day-use offices. They are beautifully furnished. Every suite has a dedicated private ethernet line, Wi-Fi and individual climate control.

Even the marble-ensconced bathrooms are a five-star level of first class and feature luxurious amenities such as an electronic bidet toilet.

The Bentley Conference Room seats 22 people around a massive granite-topped meeting table and includes an 86-inch television screen that’s hard-wired into the table, ethernet and Wi-Fi. And for smaller meetings of up to six people, the Carrera Meeting Room features a high-top conference table, television and glass whiteboard for brainstorming.

Enter The ClubZone
You know what all work and no play makes for. No worries about that at The ClubZone, a sports bar-like space within The Garage adorned in vintage decor. Anchored by a 16-foot professional-grade shuffleboard game, cushy leather sofas, a classic Rockola Bubbler jukebox, three 75-inch flatscreens against a wall of teakwood to watch all the games, a disco ball, an expanded bar area and a full-service, state-of-the-art kitchen with private liquor lockers, The ClubZone and lounge make work breaks or events first-class fun.

“It really rivals any restaurant or meeting space in the Akron area when it comes to providing an entertaining backdrop for client meetings or social events,” says Rick.

A few dazzling collector cars and motorcycles will be on display behind glass garage doors in units adjacent to the bar to add to the museum-like experience.

“There has already been interest from outside organizations and charities to rent out our space for fundraisers, meetings and parties,” says Rick.

Every Detail is Included
For enhanced professionalism, everything a worker needs has been taken care of, with shared office amenities including use of a copier, collator, finisher and scanner as well as USPS keyed mailboxes for a street business address with package delivery acceptance.

Tenants have 24/7 access to the building via a personalized electronic code on their smartphones.

The Garage Business Suites and Meeting Center is located at 2623 S. Arlington Road in Akron. Introductory memberships begin at $395 per month. Call 330-294-3460 or visit TheGarageSuites.com for more information.