The Shop At CAC New Orleans: Coworking Space Review

The Shop Coworking Space, New Orleans

My Review Of The Shop At CAC In New Orleans

I visited The Shop at CAC on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 10:15 AM.

The Shop New Orleans Front Desk

Rating: *5.0 stars

(*I’ve visited coworking spaces in New Orleans, Austin, San Diego, and Boston… so far. This is the first 5.0 I’ve given out and it’s ranked the #1 coworking space in New Orleans.)

The Shop, nestled on the third and fourth floors of the Contemporary Arts Center in downtown New Orleans, is a beautifully designed, large coworking space with the best focus on networking I’ve seen.

If you’re looking for 1) a beautiful place to work, 2) a great location, 3) a community that will help your business grow… this is the place in New Orleans.

 

Coworking Space Details

  • Name: The Shop At CAC
  • Address: 900 Camp St 3rd Floor, New Orleans, LA 70130
  • Website: The Shop At CAC
  • Location:
    • Located on the 3rd and 4th floors of the Contemporary Arts Center
    • Downtown New Orleans next to the WW2 Museum
  • Parking:
    • Free, usually available street parking two blocks away (underneath the freeway)
    • $150/month garages in the area
    • Free bike parking
  • Staff: Friendly, informative, always at the front desk
  • Hours: 24-hour access

 

Who It’s For

The space caters primarily to individuals and small businesses from any profession, but it seems to lean toward tech and design (art, engineering, software, etc.) and people who support those fields (lawyers, marketing people, etc.). It’s ideal for those seeking a network to nurture business growth in beautiful office space.

  • Small teams: 60+ private offices for small businesses
  • Individuals: ~400 members total as of the end of 2023
  • Networking opportunities: Pitch nights, networking events, message boards for referrals

 

Community & Vibe

Networking and Collaboration: One of the standout features of The Shop is its strong emphasis on networking. The community here is actively engaged in helping each other grow professionally. 

  • There is an active message board for referrals
  • There are regular networking and social events
  • There are pitch nights (with amphitheatre seating in the common area)

Active Members: I get the sense that people like to work out before or during the workday here. Physical activity seems to be built into the space:

  • Free bike parking
  • Shower in the office

Art & Design: Art and design are built into the fabric of the space:

  • Located within the CAC
  • Local artwork on the walls
  • Roofdeck with views of the entire city
  • Award-winning interior design

 

Design & Space

The Shop at CAC lobby
Looking from The Shop into the lobby of the Contemporary Arts Center

Architectural Excellence: Occupying the 3rd and 4th floors of the Contemporary Arts Center, The Shop is a testament to architectural and design excellence. The space was designed by Eskew Dumez Ripple to reflect the art and creativity around the space. 

The Shop roofdeck in New Orleans
The Shop’s roofdeck for working and social events

Functional Spaces: Spread over 40,000 square feet, including a roof deck, it offers a range of workspaces that cater to different needs and preferences. From open coworking areas to private offices, each space is crafted to inspire and facilitate productivity.

Artistic Ambiance: True to its location within an arts center, The Shop features local artwork and personal touches throughout its premises. This integration of art creates an ambiance that is both uplifting and culturally enriching, making it more than just a place to work, but a space to experience and enjoy the richness of New Orleans’ artistic heritage.

The Shop CAC work booths
Work booths at The Shop

Amenities and Facilities: The Shop doesn’t compromise on amenities and practical features. It includes fully equipped conference rooms, a staffed reception desk, and high-speed Wi-Fi. The inclusion of utilities, business-class printing, scanning facilities, and 24/7 secure access ensure that members have everything they need for a seamless working experience.

 

Amenities

  • Resources: Seven conference rooms, reception desk services, and utilities included.
  • Technology: High-speed Wi-Fi, IT support, and printing/scanning.
  • Programming: Regular happy hours, networking events, and educational/cultural programs.
  • Community: Membership app and opportunities to connect with professionals. Part of the LExC global coworking network.
  • Benefits: Discounts on benefits, payroll, HR support, and local business deals.

 

Pricing & Membership Plans

  • Commons: Contact for pricing. Offers 24/7 access to coworking space and rooftop, including unlimited beverages and various amenities.
  • Private Offices: Starting at $750/month. Spacious, secure, and customizable for different team sizes.
  • Day Passes: $35/day or $300 for a 10-day pass. Includes access to high-speed Wi-Fi, workstations, and beverages.
  • Meeting & Event Space: Pricing upon request. Suitable for up to 45 individuals with advanced technology and unique spaces.
  • Hybrid Solutions and Flex Passes: Customizable solutions for varying needs and budgets. Contact for pricing details.
  • Virtual Office: Starting at $40/month (requires Commons membership). Offers business address, mail management, and additional a la carte services.

 

Final Thoughts

The Shop At CAC is more than just a coworking space; it’s a vibrant community hub that integrates work, networking, and artistic expression seamlessly. With its comprehensive facilities, varied membership plans, and a strong emphasis on community engagement, it stands as an exemplary model of what a modern coworking space can offer, especially for those in creative and innovative fields.

You can book a tour or find out more here.

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