Expansive space and amenities made available for remote workers, small businesses, and gig workers in Downtown Conway.
THE NEWLY RENOVATED 10,000 SQUARE FOOT EM BUILDING IS NOW OPEN FOR CO-WORKING
The corner doors at 1100 Oak Street are swinging with foot traffic again in downtown Conway. Once the home of a one-of-a-kind retail business, EM Jeans, this iconic building drew shoppers from across the region to peruse sleek European jeans, custom-tailored clothes, and prom attire. Now home to the Studio Downtown, a co-working space for more than 30 businesses, the building is alive again with graphic designers, consultants, and remote workers.
The Studio Downtown opened 3 years ago in Conway with 2,200 square feet and 7 founding members. This woman-owned business has grown through grassroots community funding from local businesses like Silverlake Design Studio, Nabholz, and mural artist Jessica Jones, to become the largest coworking space in Arkansas.
“I wasn’t sure we would survive Covid,” said the owner of the Studio, Kate Carnahan. “But we knew in the long run coworking would be the answer for many businesses and remote workers.” Through the expansion and renovations, Carnahan and her Creative Director, Jessica Crum, redesigned the 10,000 square feet of space to be an inspiring and productive space through eclectic, mid-century interior design. New amenities include a podcast studio, photo studio, workshop space, and private offices. In addition to wifi, meeting space, coffee, and snacks, the Studio provides “community and a place for business owners to connect,” says Carnahan.
Local business partners have made their mark on the space by sponsoring amenities and art. Conway Corp and the Conway Chamber of Commerce have commissioned exterior facing murals along Oak Street. Nabholz and Herschel Hall sponsored the workshop and photography studio. Other supporters include Cross Creek Sandwich Shop, Yours Truly Consignment, and Zeteo Coffee.
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