Now more than ever, suburban parents have to make the choice between missing time with their kids as a result of going into an office and working from a home full of distractions, the founder of the Chicago-area co-working space Enclave points out. However, companies like Enclave have begun to move into suburbs across Chicagoland to address this issue, giving working parents an elevated, productive place to work that is close to home.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Enclave doubles as a co-working lounge and social club that strives to be more than just a place of work, but also a place of community and socialization. It offers a variety of workspace options, including private phone rooms, shared spaces and conference rooms to reserve for larger meetings, while the lounge area offers comfortable couches and social spaces for a more relaxed feel. Co-working membership prices begin at $130 per month, which provides members access to the conference room, phone rooms, the main area, coffee, tea and high-speed internet, and offers a chance to join social events at all Enclave locations.
"We don’t think that parents should have to choose between spending time with family and building meaningful, successful careers. Enclave is working to create innovative solutions for suburban families.” Bobby Kellman, the founder of Enclave, said.
Most recently, Enclave held a networking event for female entrepreneurs to bring professional women in the community together. The aim of the event, says Kellman, was to facilitate community and connection amongst suburban professionals.
According to its website, Enclave locations can be found in Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Oak Park, Downers Grove, Arlington Heights, Wilmette, Highland Park, and Lake Forest.
In January 2020, Enclave was founded by Kellman after he and his wife moved from Chicago to LaGrange with their two young girls, according to the Chicago Tribune. As a result of missing the community and connection they felt in the city, they initially opened a social club in downtown Glen Ellyn. However, the pandemic forced Kellman to pivot, leading Enclave to temporarily become less about socializing and more about everyone working remotely rather than isolating alone at home.