A busy few months at Spoke Coworking
We opened in February and the first months have felt both fast and wonderfully slow. Opening a furnished coworking space means juggling deliveries, finalizing layouts, and learning what a neighborhood needs. As we settle into 6700 E Speedway (between Kolb & Wilmot), we are discovering neighbors, nearby businesses, and the small realities of operating in east Tucson. Furniture and artwork are still arriving, systems are getting tuned, and every day brings a new detail to solve.
For someone who loves interior design, building a cohesive space is exciting and a little nerve racking. I have an eye for pieces that go together, but executing those ideas on walls and in shared areas takes confidence. Hanging artwork feels more permanent than moving a desk, and that makes decisions harder. We have lots of commercial sound absorbing artwork and abstract paintings that will add color and help with acoustics, but choosing where each piece belongs has been a slow, thoughtful process.
Small moves that make a big difference
Some setup choices are easy and reversible. Placing a sit/stand desk near an ethernet outlet, angling a 32" curved monitor to avoid glare, or moving a floor lamp into a corner can be done in minutes. These small, practical decisions have immediate impact on comfort and productivity for our members. Other choices, like committing to large-scale wall art or built-in shelving, feel more permanent. We learned to balance immediate needs with longer term aesthetics by testing temporary setups first, then committing once something feels right.
Practical tips we picked up
- Test placement with tape and paper templates before hanging anything heavy.
- Start with functional zones: workstations, quiet rooms, and a social hub.
- Use rugs and plants to define spaces without permanent fixtures.
- Prioritize sound absorbing art in open areas to reduce noise without losing style.
Building a welcoming community, even for introverts
One surprise has been how many of our members are quiet, thoughtful people who nevertheless bring great ideas. We like to joke that we are introverts with a ton of awesome office ideas for Tucson. Creating an environment where collaboration can happen organically - without forced networking or loud events - has been a priority. Simple offerings like free coffee, snacks, and a comfortable lounge encourage casual interactions. We design schedules and spaces for low pressure moments where two people can share a table and a conversation might start on its own.
Events that respect different social styles
Not every event needs to be a big social mixer. We are experimenting with low-key formats: open studio hours, mini skill-swaps, and short, focused talks. These let people connect around work and common interests rather than feeling obligated to perform. That approach has helped even our most reserved members feel included.
Seeing our neighborhood up close
Being on a bus route and near two washes has given us a closer view of the challenges some Tucson residents face. Since moving in, we have had to ask people to move on from the property on occasion. Those interactions have been humbling and sometimes difficult. We have learned about the complexity of homelessness here: in some cases people need access to medical care, behavioral health support, or stable services to change their circumstances.
Giving back for AZ Gives Day
With AZ Gives Day on the calendar, we wanted to do more than celebrate our opening. Even as a new business, we felt a responsibility to support neighbors who need services. For that reason we decided to make a donation to El Rio Community Health Center. El Rio provides healthcare services to people who are uninsured or underinsured, including outreach and care that supports people experiencing homelessness. Donating to an organization that helps meet medical and behavioral health needs felt like the most direct and meaningful way for us to give back.
Why this matters to us
Supporting local health services aligns with how we view our role in the community. Running a coworking space is about more than desks and WiFi. It is about creating a place where local entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses can thrive while being mindful of the broader community. Giving to an organization that improves access to care is a step toward a healthier neighborhood for everyone.
Ways our members can get involved
If you want to join us in supporting local needs, here are a few ways to help:
- Donate directly to trusted local nonprofits like El Rio that provide healthcare services.
- Volunteer time with community outreach programs focused on housing, medical care, or job training.
- Share resources and connections: many small businesses can offer pro bono services or mentorship.
Looking ahead
We are still arranging art, building out our backyard patio, and learning how to be a good neighbor. Each new delivery and each conversation helps shape Spoke Coworking into a place that is practical, beautiful, and thoughtful. Our goal is to keep evolving in ways that serve members and support east Tucson. We are grateful for the warm welcome, the lessons we are learning, and the opportunity to give back during AZ Gives Day.
Final thought
Opening a space is part planning and part patience. If you are thinking about starting something similar, give yourself room to experiment. Make practical choices first, test the design, and let community shape the rest. And when you can, find ways to support the people who live around you. That is how a business becomes part of a neighborhood, not just a building on a map.
