SOCO 80808 celebrates public opening
November 20, 2019
The coworking community expands with a larger footprint in the Vista
SOCO, a platform and community for creative entrepreneurs and independent workers, will open their new Vista location to the public on Wednesday, November 20.
At just under 11,000 square feet, 80808 is SOCO’s largest location to date and replaces the original Vista location. With multiple fully and semi-enclosed private offices, 80808 focuses on supporting the growth needs of early stage companies and entrepreneurial/creative teams. The expansive footprint also has a dedicated section for fixed-desk members, while still featuring plenty of room for flexible workers and day-pass users. By day, the large communal space serves as a go-to spot for casual meetings and additional seating; and in the evening it converts into a community event space.
Located at 808 Lady Street, the name pays homage to the longtime gallery and artists’ collective that was once housed there. Though the space was completely renovated over the summer, SOCO wanted to maintain its creative roots. SOCO teamed with local architects 1×1 Design, a collaboration that resulted in design elements like laptop-bar seating, leather sofas, and pops of teal and yellow throughout. A giant mural boasting quirky doodles in hues of pink and blue serves as a feature wall and focal point, painted by longtime SOCO collaborator and local artist/designer Giovanni DiFeterici. Additional mural collaborations are underway with other SOCO members, including Lauren Mancke of Northbound Design.
Craft beer on tap, bottomless coffee from local roasters, 24/7 access for members, and included printing and utilities are among the amenities that members of the SOCO community can enjoy.
While the new physical space is exciting, SOCO’s defining feature is its extremely close-knit community of 150+ members, half of whom are women. Comprised mostly of local creatives, entrepreneurs and businesses, SOCO members share in its core values of collaboration and “rising together.” To that end, more than 70% of SOCO members have worked together on a project over the last year.
“More than a place to work, SOCO offers real community and real human connection. Our spaces bring together creators and entrepreneurs from all different backgrounds who meet and realize they have similar goals, the same challenges, and tons of commonalities in between. They bond and build together. They grow together. Doing hard things should never be done alone. That’s why we exist, and we’re incredibly proud to be a homegrown company that’s building a powerful community of dreamers right here in Soda City,” said Greg Hilton, one of SOCO’s founding partners.
Dave Maxfield of Dave Maxfield Law Firm is one business owner that joined the SOCO community, first starting with his team at BullStreet then moving to a private office at 80808:
“Our ‘Lean’ consumer protection law firm joined SOCO in 2018 after leaving a very traditional office setup. We have loved everything about this community, including getting to know some of the coolest, smartest people in Columbia. ”
SOCO 80808 will be immediately available for booking tours, day passes, and reserving meeting space. SOCO is also accepting inquiries from community organizations that would like to have their regular meetings/events at 80808.
To book a tour or reserve a desk or private office, visit https://soco-work.com/
About SOCO
SOCO is a platform and coworking community for creators, indie workers and entrepreneurs. SOCO creates inspiring spaces where you can work and work together; incredible events and activities to help you connect with your “tribe”; and a range of learning opportunities to hone your skills and grow your craft. At the center of it all is a strong belief in the power of community and living life on your own terms. SOCO offers membership plans starting at $100/mo. For more information, visit www.soco-work.com.
