In the shady streets of historic Dilworth neighborhood in Charlotte, something special is taking root.
What began as a few friends sharing office space has blossomed into a thoughtful, well-designed coworking space called 427 East Boulevard from Eagle Commercial Realty. Built to foster connection among small business owners and independent professionals, this space is quietly redefining what coworking can look like.
The idea for 427 East Boulevard grew out of the success of 429 East Boulevard, where two small business owners and a third friend found that working near one another brought unexpected benefits. Despite running very different businesses, they thrived on proximity and community.
Seeing the potential, the team decided to build out the adjacent building, 427 East Boulevard, as a dedicated coworking space. The building opened in April, and the offices are quickly filling with a diverse group of professionals—from real estate experts and financial advisors to nonprofit founders and even a pastor starting a new church.
427 East Boulevard offers 14 private offices, two conference rooms, and shared kitchen space. Rather than an open bullpen layout, the space focuses on privacy and professional ambiance while still promoting collaboration through shared spaces and community activities.
"We don’t always use the word 'coworking,'" said Hollister Conrad, who helps manage the space. "But we talk a lot about community. We’re trying to build a professional network of people who may not work in the same field but still benefit from being near one another."
Hollister and her colleague Leslie make up the "hospitality team" and serve as the connective tissue of the community. From giving tours and onboarding new members to sending welcome emails and hosting casual lunches, they focus on creating a seamless, welcoming experience.
Recognizing that many professionals no longer need a full-time office, the team developed a "Flex Membership" model. Members can choose to come in Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday/Friday, allowing two businesses to share the same office on alternating days. This model offers affordability for members and maximizes occupancy for the space—a win-win. The team uses Coworks space management software to organize rooms and members.
What truly sets 427 East Boulevard apart is its emphasis on building a community, not just leasing space. While many members have found the space through word-of-mouth, the team has also garnered attention with a feature in the Charlotte Business Journal, which brought in new members, including one who literally walked over from the neighborhood after reading the article.
"We’re really lucky to be in this location," Conrad added. "It’s a beautiful area close to South End and Uptown Charlotte, but it still feels tucked away. That vibe really matches what we’re building here."
427 East Boulevard is a testament to how coworking can grow organically when rooted in real relationships and responsive to real needs. With its unique approach, hands-on management, and deep sense of place, it's poised to become a key player in Charlotte's evolving professional landscape.
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