Local Realtors to open downtown Columbia coworking space

A new co-working space is set to open in downtown Columbia.

Venture X, provider of flexible office spaces, has revealed plans to open a new location in downtown Columbia.

The 17,179-square-foot space on the 18th floor of 1901 Main St. will offer 84 private offices and a wealth of amenities for entrepreneurs, executives, creatives and others seeking independent workspaces among like-minded professionals, a news release stated.

Now open for conference room rentals and virtual address services, Venture X Downtown Columbia’s coworking spaces and private offices will be open in October 2025, according to the release. Franchise owners Jason and Kimberly Rickman have pre-leased 25% of the spaces to Founding Members, who will be charged the lowest membership rates, pay no enrollment fee and get free furniture, among several signing perks.

All private office members will have 24/7 access to the building, and their membership will include all utilities, internet, housekeeping services and unlimited coffee, tea, water, snacks and fresh fruit, the release stated. They can relax and socialize in a 1,000-square-foot lounge, which will be available for functions and private rentals. Businesses can also utilize a 58-person training room for seminars or classroom-style training.

Venture X Downtown Columbia features a massive common area lounge overlooks the city with floor-to-ceiling windows affording 360-degree views that include Congaree River, Finlay Park, Segra Park and Lake Murray, the release stated. Design highlights include detailed high ceilings, modern lighting and custom-designed coworking furniture, and its interior complements Columbia’s eclectic history; the artwork within the common areas and hallways brings to light the rich history and incredible diversity of the region, the release stated.

This is not the first experience in real estate for the Rickmans, who also own a real estate brokerage. Kim has a bachelor’s degree in economics and is a multi-state real estate broker and investor. Jason has a degree in small business management and is a real estate investor and manages all his properties’ operations. They plan to be part of the location’s daily operations.

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In researching the Columbia area for the Venture X site, they found it has many small businesses and entrepreneurs but also shows a need for flexible, accessible and updated office space.

“We see coworking as the future of commercial office space, and we are super-excited to be part of this rich and vibrant city,” Kim said in the release. “The most important aspect of the business is creating an awesome experience for our members, with hospitality as the number one focal point. We want to create an ecosystem of collaboration from entrepreneurs, startups, nonprofits, advisors, agents, analysts, engineers, influencers and mid-to-large-sized corporations. Our members’ success matters, and we want to see everyone become optimally successful.”

The owners secured the Venture X Downtown Columbia lease with the help of Allen Wilkerson, vice president and shareholder of the Office Services Team.