By 1808Delaware
What began in a former hardware store in Worthington a decade ago is celebrating an anniversary while also taking on a new dimension. COhatch, the Ohio-based coworking company that has grown to 37 locations across seven states, is choosing to expand even beyond shared offices to offer members new ways to connect outside the workday.
As it celebrates its tenth anniversary this month, the company is introducing lifestyle experiences, social clubs, and special events centered on shared interests, from food and cocktails to outdoor recreation and wellness. The expansion reflects a growing emphasis on face-to-face relationships, as both artificial intelligence and also remote work reshape how people interact.
October activities include an Omakase Cocktail Experience, a twice-monthly Bourbon Club, an Exclusive Bottle Opening, and a Chef Tasting at Lani Rooftop Lounge in Powell. The company is also celebrating its anniversary with CarniFall, which features live music, food, drinks, games, and family activities. Additional programming planned for the fall includes a Hiking Club and other wellness activities shaped by member interests.
Events are open to members and the general public, with members receiving preferred pricing, early registration, and access to exclusive programs. Registration is available through OpenTable and Eventbrite.
“COhatch began with the idea of creating neighborhood spaces where people could work, meet and live more connected and fulfilled lives,” said CEO and co-founder Matt Davis.
“The first decade was all about creating incredible spaces for our community. The next ten years are about something even more meaningful: using those spaces to deepen connections and create lasting impact for our members at a time when genuine human connection is becoming increasingly rare.”
Ten Years From a Worthington Storefront
Founded in October 2016 by six friends, COhatch opened its first location in a renovated hardware store in historic Worthington. A second Worthington location, The Library, followed in 2018. Today, COhatch reports approximately 9,000 active members, with historic building renovation and adaptive reuse remaining central to its expansion. That approach continues in Kettering, where the company is currently restoring the historic D.L. Barnes building as a community gathering place and business incubator.
In Dublin, COhatch is partnering with the city to develop Riverview Village, a nearly two-acre, walkable innovation district focused on technology, small businesses, the arts, and community activities. Completion is anticipated within 12 to 24 months. The company has seven locations in the 1808Delaware coverage area, including in downtown Delaware, Dublin, Powell, Westerville, at Polaris Fashion Place Mall, and the original two locations in Worthington.
Relationships That Last
For members, an important part of the appeal of COhatch has been the relationships formed.
Doug Christopher, owner of Titan Insurance Services, joined shortly after the company’s founding because he needed a business address for his new agency.
“The relationships I’ve built here have helped grow my business tenfold, but what has meant the most is belonging to a community that genuinely wants to see each other succeed,” Christopher said. “Ten years later, I’m still here because of the people.”
COhatch has also made community support a central part of its business model. Through its Impact and Boost scholarship programs, the company reports awarding more than $8.8 million in assistance, including 717 nonprofit scholarships, 165 startup scholarships, and 228 community scholarships.
One initiative involves Star House and the renovation of 62 apartments at Carol Stewart Village to provide housing for young people experiencing homelessness.
COhatch plans to announce changes to its scholarship programs in early December.
Looking Toward the Next Decade
As flexible workplaces evolve, COhatch is betting that community connections will become increasingly important to members. The company is committed to evolve with societal and business realities and needs.
“Today’s professionals aren’t just looking for office space,” Davis said. “They’re looking for flexibility, connection, purpose, and opportunities to grow in suburban areas close to home at a time when technology has become the main societal driver.”
For a company that began by helping people work closer to home, the next decade will focus on bringing them together beyond the workday, turning shared spaces into places for shared experiences.
Source, Photo: COhatch press release
