Coworking review: The Hub SOMA

After spending a few days at Citizen Space and Berkeley Coworking, I headed to The Hub SOMA. The Hub is an interesting setup–it’s a loosely affiliated network of coworking spaces around the world, and focuses on people working for social and environmental change. I’m not sure what the real benefit of the network is, as it doesn’t sound like they offer discounts or free drop-ins, besides between the Berkeley and SOMA locations. The day I was there, it was bustling, almost to capacity.

After looking over their application form, I wasn’t sure I’d even make the “changemaker” cut. But in practice it seems that they’ll accept pretty much anyone who’s comfortable with their vibe. Said vibe is mostly young hipster–tattoos and finger shoes. It actualy felt pretty good being there, but in the end I think the cons outweigh the pros for me. I don’t know whether to say the bustling activity level is a pro or con, but I imagine it could be hard to do focussed individual work over time; it seems more optimized as a collaboration space.

Pros:

• cool vibe, lots of energy
• well lit, comfortable chairs, desks at various working heights
• free Numi tea and good coffee, full kitchen
• socializing events with other hubsters
• privacy booths for phone calls
• good SOMA location at 5th and Mission, close to BART
• access to Berekeley location up to 30% time
• good iPhone signal

Cons:

• no fixed desks (they have some private offices, but none available)
• expensive ($445 for “unlimited” with no fixed desk)
• pricey conference room rental (discounted but still expensive for full-time members. I suppose this keeps people from squatting in the conference rooms, but the same could probably be acheived with more nominal fees)
• no whiteboards, except in pricey conference rooms
• small lockers
• accessible only from 9-6 M-F