Plexpod River Market might be weeks away from opening, but the coworking community’s new location on the KC Streetcar line already is sparking interest among startups, said Gerald Smith.
Plexpod founder Gerald Smith. Photo by Bobby Burch.
“Magic happens when these entrepreneurs have a platform where they can connect — that’s where sparks fly,” said Smith, co-founder of Plexpod. “The more we can connect entrepreneurs across the city, the more we achieve that goal.”
Booking has begun at River Market, said Stephanie Medina, though an exact opening date has not yet been announced.
Already exceeding goals for occupancy, Plexpod’s new River Market space is “open for business” despite the official opening date still weeks away, said Stephanie Medina, director of operations at the network of coworking spaces across the Kansas City metro.
Plexpod already operates locations in Lenexa, the Crossroads Arts District and Midtown (its Westport Commons space). River Market is expected help Plexpod continue growing memberships across its coworking community network, since members gain access to all four spaces.
Click here to read about Plexpod’s initial announcement of the River Market location.
Click here to learn more about Plexpod or how to sign up for a location.
Stephanie Medina, Plexpod director of operations
Filling the first two floors of 510 Delaware, the River Market space is the smallest Plexpod coworking site to date — but is expected to be more conducive to community events with a large next-door courtyard and stage, said Medina.
The space is expected to be led by a Plexpod community connector Kelsey Creed, she added.
“River Market’s sense of community is what drew me in,” said Creed. “I’ve called the neighborhood home since moving to Kansas City in 2016, and I’m eager to see Plexpod become an established part of the district in collaboration with fellow companies, as well as become a valued resource for the local residents to enjoy and utilize.”
The space will also allow Plexpod members to witness the revitalization of the historic area firsthand, Medina said.
“It’s a really cool area to be in and there are so many historic elements as you walk down the street,” Medina said. “A neat aspect is the streetcar line.”
Currently, the Plexpod Crossroads and River Market are the only two locations in the Plexpod network linked by the streetcar. An expected expansion, however, would allow members to ride to Westport, as well.
The streetcar aids an effort to encourage members to visit other locations, agreed Smith, noting that more than 30 percent of Plexpod members regularly visit other locations — allowing for more connection points and entrepreneurial collisions.
Click here to read Gerald Smith’s KCultivator Q&A where he speaks about Internet trolls, anti-gravity machines, and his man crush.
