Center for Social Innovation Propels Nonprofits With Intentional Ecosystem

Guest article by Sarah Snyder

Going to a construction site is always intriguing, especially when hard hats are required. My behind-the-scenes look at The Center for Social Innovation, Springdale General’s current project, was especially fun considering the center’s purpose to serve the social impact community in Austin.

Wait until you read about all the nonprofits and social good companies planning to come together at this east Austin hub.

Touring The Center for Social Innovation

A post shared by Center For Social Innovation (@csi_austin) on May 16, 2017 at 2:56pm PDT

While touring the construction site, I learned about The Center for Social Innovation’s plans to provide a campus with reasonably priced studios, office spaces, and coworking areas. The goal is to inspire and connect socially-conscious Austinites. This inspiring ecosystem with be home to small- and medium-sized culturally respectful organizations, from solopreneurs to coffee roasters to tech startups. Nonprofits and city leaders will also be included.

As someone with a background in counseling, working with local nonprofits as well as large for-profit entities, I couldn’t be more excited to learn about The Center for Social Innovation’s desire to create this ecosystem.

Center for Social Innovation Design

While on site, I met Michael Hsu, the architect responsible for the design of the space. After extensive research on the best way to utilize the available 10 acres, Hsu decided to connect six buildings with 60,000-square-feet of space through walkways, large courtyards, and open public spaces. A new Caffe Medici location will serve as home base for many in the community.

With room for both large commercial spaces and moderately sized offices, the center is designed to be a beautiful space for connecting with others. Hsu emphasizes eco-friendly design with a rain catchment, solar power, Car2Go parking, and bicycle spots.

Impressive Collection of Tenants

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of all this is the list of local nonprofits who have embraced the concept and agreed to call the center their home, including:

• Austin Community Design & Development Center
• Austin Parks Foundation
• AIDS Services of Austin
• Black Fret
• EcoRise
• Half Helen Foundation
• Texas Book Festival

Today, Notley Ventures announced a partnership with Capital Factory. In a press release, the partners revealed their new space will house a “social entrepreneurship and nonprofit coworking community…that serves individuals and startup organizations committed to driving impactful outcomes.” Ten thousand square feet of space will feature private studios, dedicated desks, conference spaces, lounge areas, and meeting space. The name of the coworking space has not been announced yet.

There’s still space available for interested socially innovation nonprofits and purpose-for-profit businesses. Coworking space for individuals will begin leasing in February. If you’d like to learn more about The Center for Social Innovation or schedule a hard hat tour, visit the website. An official opening date has not be set, but is anticipated in summer 2018.

 

@theAustinot wants to know:

Which nonprofit for social good business would you like to see at The Center for Social Innovation?

 

Sarah Snyder is an entrepreneur, writer, public relations strategist, marketing consultant, counselor, and formerly ranked as the 10th strongest woman in the U.S. She is now on a renewed health and wellness journey and can be reached about any of these ventures via email.