By 1808Delaware
Downtown Powell has been steadily reshaping itself over the past several years. Today, that evolution takes a visible step forward as COhatch opens the doors to its new campus at 50 and 60 East Olentangy Street.
If you have walked that stretch recently, you have seen the transformation underway. What was once underused space now reads as intentional, with clean lines and windows which suggest activity inside. It feels less like a single building and more like a statement about where the city wants to go next. Inside, the first-floor common area is designed to be open and flexible. The aesthetic leans modern but avoids feeling corporate. The goal is clear: make it a place where people want to linger, work, and talk.
The Strategy Behind the Space
This opening is not happening in isolation. The project fits squarely into the City of Powell’s broader downtown revitalization effort, which has focused on making the core more walkable, more economically active, and more socially connected.
Powell City Manager Andrew White put it plainly: “COhatch has been instrumental in bringing new energy and renewed purpose to Powell’s downtown core, blending modern development with historical relevance.”
That blend matters. Powell’s identity has always leaned small-town and historic. A coworking campus could have clashed with that character. Instead, the project incorporates restoration. The Middlebury Member House, a historic home on the site, has been repurposed into a lodge-style space for meetings and private events. It is not just preserved. It is given a second life.
At 14,000 square feet, the development includes private offices, dedicated desks, meeting rooms, and community coworking areas. Members have 24/7 access, along with practical amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, printing, mailbox services, and complimentary coffee and tea.
Lani Rooftop Lounge: Hospitality Meets Coworking
Later this month, the Lani Rooftop Lounge will open, adding a different layer to the campus. It is positioned as an elevated indoor and outdoor cocktail space with globally inspired food and beverage offerings. The culinary program is anchored by award-winning chef Quichocho Lingo, alongside mixologist Alex Johnson. That pairing suggests the rooftop is not meant to be a token amenity. It is designed to draw people in on its own terms.
This is a smart move. Coworking spaces that rely solely on desks often plateau. By adding hospitality, COhatch increases foot traffic, diversifies revenue, and integrates more fully into the downtown ecosystem. Weddings, corporate events, and private gatherings are already being booked.
A Founder’s Personal Investment
For Matt Davis, CEO and co-founder of COhatch, this opening carries personal weight. He and his wife have lived in Powell for more than 20 years.
“As Powell residents for more than 20 years, my wife and I are beyond excited to launch COhatch and Lani in our hometown as we help others to pursue their dreams,” Davis said. “A decade ago, my friends and I set out to build a company that would give us more time with loved ones and enable us to use our talents and resources to improve the lives of others. We are thankful to the City of Powell for their partnership and grateful to continue our mission here.”
There is a strategic advantage in that hometown connection. When leadership is personally invested, the long-term horizon often stretches further.
Davis added, “Our goal is to become a long-term anchor of the local economy and to create opportunities that help others live fuller, healthier lives.”
Economic Ripples Beyond the Building
The development also includes the extension of Scioto Street and the addition of new public parking. Those infrastructure upgrades are not glamorous, but they are critical. Parking and connectivity often determine whether downtown projects succeed or stall.
COhatch notes that new jobs created through the hub will generate ongoing revenue for the city. The model goes beyond desk rentals. Through its GIVE Scholarship program, COhatch provides scholarships each year to more than 1,000 nonprofit organizations. Startups can apply for Boost Scholarships that offer free coworking access and resources to help them grow.
What This Means for Powell
The opening of COhatch Powell is not just another ribbon cutting. It is a signal that downtown Powell is maturing into something more layered. Not just boutiques and restaurants, but shared workspaces, event venues, rooftop hospitality, and restored homes used in new ways.
Source: PRNewswire
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