What Is Carbon Space?

Carbon Space is a collaborative co-working facility that provides many of the ad-hoc benefits of the modern Internet-cafe, with the professional working environment and community aspects of a more traditional office. The Carbon Space environment includes a cafe lounge area for socializing and ad-hoc collaboration, open plan office pods for 15-20 tenants, a modern conference room and a quiet room for those who wish to work in silence.

What Is The Story Behind Carbon Space?

Carbon Space is modeled directly after 'The Hive' in Denver, which was conceived of several years ago by Andrew Luter, a serial entrepreneur, former technology professional and co-founder of BaseCamp Capital. Andrew experienced first-hand the huge gaps between the various office options available to entrepreneurs and free-lancers. While working at home sounded great, it proved to be distracting and lack the professional meeting space and community of traditional offices. On the other side of the spectrum, traditional office space was expensive and required long-term leases. Executive suites met some of his needs, but again demanded a high price point to pay for mahogany furniture, expensive phone systems, receptionists and high-end copiers - none of which was relevant to his business or branding. As the years unfolded Andrew resorted to subleases and Internet cafes to meet his needs - both sub-optimal options. Only recently have open source software solutions, telephony offerings, networking solutions and working "norms" caught up with the original Hive vision and enabled the concept's launch.

flat out borrowing of their content and resources to help kick off Carbon Space.

Who Is Your Ideal Tenant?

I am not sure that there is an ideal tenant, as such. We think that the concept will initially appeal to Cultural Creative's such as designers, writers, architects, developers, entrepreneurs, programmers, brand builders, marketing gurus, PR mavens, technologists, artists, media professionals and photographers.

How do I Contact You?

Send Us email at info@carbonspacecoop.com

Why Do You Call It a Co-op?

While not a co-op in the strictest sense of the word, our vision for Carbon Space relies heavily on our tenant's ability to build a cooperative community of like minded individuals for the benefit of the group. Our model for this space mirrors the Open Source software movement in which we will create the framework and initial design for the space, but the tenants will drive the energy and culture on a going-forward basis.

What Amenities Do You Offer?

We provide a really cool office space with secure access, a cafe lounge, a fridge, a dishwasher, a coffee machine, a microwave, weekly cleaning service, a conference room, cool and functional semi-private desk pods, T1 internet access via 802.11N WiFi and CAT5 direct, a printer, copier, and fax machine.

What Amenities Don't You Offer?

A secretary, a phone system (unless you need a land line and phone number for an additional $50/month - Anchor Plan only), mahogany paneling, a legal library, 80's faux wood desks, boredom.  

How Do I Make Phone Calls?

How do you make calls now? We assume most freelancers/entrepreneurs/road warriors use cell phones and VOIP solutions 90% of the time. We didn't see much sense in charging everyone for a phone system they don't really need. With systems like Skype offering call forwarding and voicemail, and other services offering outsourced "big company" menu-driven phone systems - you can look just as big as you feel. But if you absolutely need a landline and a phone number, we can supply one for Anchor Plan members for an additional $50/month

What About a Printer, Copier, and Fax Machine?

We have a shared network printer, copier, and a fax machine you can use any time for your day-to-day printing, copying, and fax needs, and its included in your rental fee. However, we suggest you use Kinko's and/or eFax if your business requires large print jobs or is a faxed based business.

Can I Arrange To Have My Mail Delivered To Carbon Space?

Absolutely. You will need to reference Carbon Space and suite number 102 in your address and the postman will deliver the mail daily to a common inbox in the reception area of the space. Click here for our complete mailing address.

Where Is Carbon Place Located?

Carbon Space Co-op is located just off 30th Street in Boulder, between Valmont and Pearl Street, just a 5-10 min drive to downtown Pearl Street mall. The exact address is 3100 Carbon Place, Suite 102, Boulder CO, 80301 - Here to see a map and location.

Is Carbon Space affiliated with 'The Hive Co-op' in Denver?

While the concept was borrowed from 'The Hive' in Denver, Carbon Space is independently owned and operated. However, we have 'Guest Pass' partnership with 'The Hive' where you can host a meeting at their facility, and their members can host a meeting at our facility. To pick up a guest pass, please email info@carbonspacecoop.com with the date and time you'll need access to The Hive.

What Does Carbon Space Look Like?

It's cool, inspiring, and high-tech. Check it out The Space

Can We Use Carbon Space To Host Events?

Yes, but it depends on the type of event. We will work with any tenant to host events such as Tech Meet ups, and Ruby on Rails hackathons, etc..

Do You Allow Pets?

Currently, no. It goes against our lease, and there are allergy issues with some folks. There is a doggy daycare just down the street.

How Do I Get There?

Carbon Space is located just off 30th Street in Boulder, between Valmont and Pearl Street. It's just a 5-10 min drive to downtown Pearl Street mall. The exact address is 3100 Carbon Place, Suite 102, Boulder CO, 80301 - Here to see a map and location.

Where Can I Park?

You can usually find a free spot directly in front of the Carbon Space building, but if not, there is limited free street parking within the Steel Yards community. There is no reserved parking for Carbon Space members and is on first come, first served basis, and please do NOT park in the reserved spots behind the building reserved for residences.

Where Can My Clients Park?

They can usually find a free spot directly in front of the Carbon Space building, but if not, there is limited free street parking within the Steel Yards community.

Sounds Great - It Must Cost A Fortune!

Not at all. Keep in mind we are looking to support independent business - not huge corporations. Our introductory pricing is as follows:

$399/Month for the Anchor Plan (About the cost of 4 Starbucks Lattes Per Day)

$299/Month for the Hot Desk Plan (About the cost of 3 Starbucks Lattes Per Day)

$199/Month for the Nights and Weekends Plan (About the cost of 2 Starbucks Lattes Per Day)

Click here for more information on each plan

Nights and Weekends?

Yes, one of the things that this concept will allow us to do is to cater to the moonlighting crowd (think PR mavens, photographers, designers and web 2.0 architects) who start their second shift right after the first. By offering a nights and weekends plan, we hope to continue to stoke the fires of entrepreneurialism throughout this great land. Plus, at $199 per month - how can you beat it?

What Does the Anchor Plan Include?

For $399 per month you will be considered an anchor tenant and have 24X7 access to Carbon Space, an assigned desk for the duration of your tenancy, unlimited Internet access, and use of the conference room, printer, copier, and fax. The anchor plan also includes the ability to host a guest worker, and can request a private land line phone number for an additional $50/month.

What is a Guest Worker?

The Guest Worker plan is a benefit for Anchor Subscribers that allows them to "share" their Carbon Space residency with others for a limited duration. A Guest Worker has lowest desk priority and can be 'bumped' out of a desk by any subscription holder if necessary. Each Anchor can have a maximum of 5 Guest Worker days per month (if you have 5 people in one day, that counts as 5 days). A Guest Worker cannot be in Carbon Space without their sponsoring Anchor.

What Does the Hot Desk Plan Include?

For $299 per month you will have 24X7 access to Carbon Space, use of a Hot Desk, unlimited Internet access, and use of the conference room, printer and fax..

What Does the Nights and Weekends Plan Include?

For $199 per month you will have access to Carbon Space from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. during the work-week and unlimited use on weekends, use of a Hot Desk, unlimited Internet access, and use of the conference room during your valid usage hours.

What is a Hot Desk?

Hot Desks are unassigned desks available for ad-hoc usage by Hot Desk and Night and Weekend Plan tenants.

Wow That's Cheaper Than Apartment Rent - Can I Live/Sleep Here?

Short answer - No. That would be a violation of your lease, and abuses could get you kicked out for good. That said, a short nap in the chill-out room is good for the soul. 

How Do I Pay My Rent?

We prefer Pay Pal/Credit Card. 

How do I Pay By Credit Card?

Via Pay Pal.

How Do I Schedule The Conference Room?

Easy. Go here and schedule the room for the time you need. If someone already has that slot, please pick another or meet in the cafe lounge area.

How Do I Cancel My Lease?

By definition this space is month to month. We do ask that you give written notice (email ok) within 7 days of the end of the month that you will be vacating the space, and ask that you return the RFID access card (those little guys are pricey). Easy, no?

What If I Don't Pay My Rent?

If rent is not received within 5 days of the beginning of your new month, it will be assumed that you have canceled your lease and your access card will be turned off. If we have not received your card back within 15 days of the beginning of the month, you will be charged $50 for the access card. If you still have items in the lockers at that point, your lock will be cut and the items removed.

What if Someone Eats My Spaghetti?

Not that we are looking to create a Lord of the Flies environment here, but part of the Carbon Space concept involves some self-policing, but we feel the need to established Rules of the House section reason. Keep in mind, you are still bound by these rules as a part of the terms of your lease.

Can I Leave My Things In The Office?

If you are a Night and Weekend or Hot Desk Plan tenant, you must clean off your desk when you leave for the day/night. Anchor Tenants will have permanently assigned desks, and can leave personal items, pictures, files, etc. on their desks. That said, we would not recommend leaving anything out that might disappear unlocked on the desk. This is a rule of thumb for traditional offices as well, so nothing new here. Neither Carbon Space management nor the building owner will take responsibility for any lost or stolen items.

What About Leaving Printers and Monitors?

What If I Borrow A Monitor or iPod From a Carbon Space Tenant?

We are sure that your own ethical nature, in addition to the security logs on the doors and the video cameras should be enough of a deterrent to "borrowing" items without asking. If not, keep in mind that removal of any items not yours from the space is considered theft. Your lease will be immediately terminated and the authorities contacted.

What About Locking Things Up?

In addition to the ability to cable-lock devices, we will be providing 20 standard lockers (12"Width x 36"Height x 16"Depth) in the facility for tenants to use on a first-come first-served basis.

Those Are Cool Chairs. They Would Look Great In My Apartment!

While we are spending a fortune to outfit and furnish Carbon Space for your working pleasure, we would ask that all of the furnishings stay in the space. See "What If I Borrow A Monitor or iPod From a Carbon Tenant?" above.

Will This Work For Me? 

I Sell Enterprise Software And I Am On The Road 3 Days a Week - Will This Work For Me?

Absolutely, if you are a road warrior in need of the occasional office space and conference room, our Hot Desk plan is perfect for you. 

We Have a 2/3/5-Person Software Start-up - Will This Work For Us?

Absolutely, and as you grow we have access to more traditional office space to accommodate your needs. 

We Office Out of Denver, But Sometimes Need A Boulder Presence - Will This Work For Us?

Absolutely, at $299/Month for our Hot Desk Plan you will have a permanent Boulder presence, conference room, desk and Internet access whenever you need it - all for less than the price of a single day in private meeting suite at one of Boulder's hotels! 

We Have a 8-Person Design Shop and Need Privacy - Will This Work For Us?

It depends. If you need your own private offices, then we could recommend better solutions for you nearby. However, if you can work in an open-plan environment 90% of the time, and have your private meetings behind closed doors in the conference room - then absolutely.  

I Am An Accountant/Lawyer And Need To Keep All Of My Files Secure - Will This Work For Me?

If you are an accountant or lawyer who keeps copious files, and requires privacy and file security, Carbon Space is not for you.  

This Is Incredible! When Do You Open?

We open in February 2009. 

OK, I Am Sold - How Do I Sign Up?

Go to the Sign up page, download and read the lease, follow the instructions from there.