Emma Robinson Emma Robinson | January 26, 2022 | Lifestyle, Feature,
Atlanta's newest coworking space provides a refreshing retreat from business as usual.
The chameleon of Edgewood Avenue, Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward is now home to the city’s newest creative studio and gathering space, the Be Nice House (@benicehouseatl). Formerly a mechanic shop, welding studio, church and yoga space, this indoor-outdoor oasis will enter its newest chapter as the elegant headquarters of LOCAL. “It couldn’t just be any typical workspace,” says LOCAL’s partner and chief client officer, Brooke Wright. “It needed to serve as a hub for collaboration, creativity and community—for our team, clients, friends and the local Atlanta neighborhood.”
Showcasing remnants from Old Fourth Ward’s past lives, it’s safe to say the Be Nice House is a stark contrast to your ordinary office. From a 1960 Peugeot motorcycle sitting out front to vintage chairs sourced from Palm Springs, there’s a surprise in every corner of this one-of-a- kind communal workspace. “This is not an office. You will not find a single desk,” Wright says. “It’s a place where we gather, share ideas and build our culture.” Other design elements that make the space so unique? An open floor plan illuminated by natural light and a relaxing outdoor courtyard and rooftop deck—the perfect environment to get those creative juices flowing.
A pair of avid estate sale shoppers, Wright and LOCAL’s director of operations, Magan van Tonder, had a special vision for the space when they spent two years putting together the passion project. The duo gathered inspiration from their travels and love for vintage decor to cultivate a beachy, boho-chic vibe. And staying true to their company namesake, Wright and van Tonder also sourced furniture and decor elements from local businesses such as Bobo Intriguing Objects, LeMont Vintage Home and Highland Row Antiques.
While exploring the space for your perfect study spot, you also may notice modern amenities that contrast the building’s vintage elements. From smart TVs perfect for presenting, researching and more to spacious conference rooms that create the perfect environment for collaboration, the Be Nice House will blow your home desk space out of the water. And if you’d like to opt for an outdoor work environment, the Be Nice House has picnic tables and breathtaking skyline views that create the ideal setup for your busy workday. “We designed the space to be the perfect place for hatching plans, hosting gatherings and expanding minds,” Wright says. “We like to think of it as a refreshing retreat from business as usual.”
Photography by: Daniel Stabler