By Tim Smith
What do you get when three unrelated families named Smith, and one whose members lovingly call each other “Sweetie,” join forces in Grant Park? A coworking space with more charm, and a lot of community spirit.
Introducing: The Water Cooler, a new workspace created by neighbors for neighbors. This grassroots venture was started by a group of local families (yes, three Smiths and a Sweetie) who wanted to build something unique for the entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small-business owners of Grant Park.
Located close to the park and restaurants on Boulevard, between Glenwood Avenue and Hansell Street, The Water Cooler is more than a shared workspace—it’s a tribute to the community that inspired it. Fittingly, each office is named after local streets—Boulevard, Waldo, Augusta, Bryan, United, Glenwood, and Delmar.
The craftsman house is currently undergoing a full transformation, with new paint, improved parking, and design touches that reflect the warmth and creativity of the families behind it. But the true spirit of The Water Cooler isn’t in the décor—it’s in the intention.
“We didn’t set out to build an office,” says co-founder Dave Smith. “We wanted to create a space where people could connect, collaborate, and feel grounded in the neighborhood they love.”
Whether you’re launching a start-up, Zooming through freelance life, or just need a break from the dining-room-table-turned-desk, The Water Cooler offers a space to focus, build, and belong.
So the next time you’re stopped at the light on Boulevard by the BP, look for the fresh paint and a little extra energy in the air. That’s probably the three Smiths and a Sweetie, hard at work on your new favorite office.
The Water Cooler is located at 464 Boulevard and can be found online at https://watercooleroffice.com.
