September 12, 2019
Lifestyle,
A new members-only coworking space aims to serve Atlanta’s creative class and foster community.
The Lola opened its doors with a built-in community thanks to a series of pop-ups and a temporary home at Hotel Clermont—they had women ready to work the first day their doors were open.
The Lola, a new membership community and workspace in Old Fourth Ward’s Southern Dairies, is proof that a duo of determined women can accomplish anything they put their minds to. “I was inspired by the women’s spaces popping up across the country. The community here really needed it,” explains Martine Resnick, who co-founded the club with Eileen Lee. It took just seven months from the time they decided to partner and started designing the boutique hotel-inspired space from scratch until opening to more than 200 founding members in July. “We were very intentional, particularly on the design side, that it was designed by women for women,” says Resnick. To wit, TaC Studio’s Cara Cummins served as architect of the 5,000-square-foot club spread among two levels, and Giana Shorthouse styled the accessories in the space along with Resnick, who also acted as the interior designer. Consultant Kristen Cahill has curated a rotating gallery of female artists, the first iteration of which includes mixed media art from Sonya Yong James, ceramic pieces by Jaime Keiter and arresting wall hangings by MaDora Frey that incorporate everything from wood and glass to neon. Design enthusiasts will appreciate the Etowah pink marble bar top, graphic wallpaper from Cole & Son, and Lamon Luther tables.
The downstairs workspace
While some areas are expected for a coworking center—desks, a library, private conference rooms, and even a coffee and dining area—others are geared toward the female-only clientele, including a mother’s retreat and a beauty room for members to freshen up, complete with lighted mirrors, hair dryers and occasional makeup services. Forward-thinking members can even record podcasts and presentations in the on-site recording studio. “Women are ready to connect, collaborate and rise together,” explains Lee. From inspiring environs to thoughtful programming, The Lola is up to the task of facilitating the growth of such a movement. 621 North Ave. NE, Ste. D-100, 678.802.9220
From top: An all-female team of architect Cara Cummins, stylist Giana Shorthouse and co-founder Martine Resnick helped create the superchic space; co-founders Eileen Lee and Resnick.
Photography by: