Entrepreneurial Creativity in a New Space
By Darien Davies
Since October 2018, 1909 has been a cornerstone for entrepreneurs and creatives in Palm Beach County, providing not just a workspace but a thriving community where ideas, connections, and opportunities flourish. If you’re a small business owner or have an itch to open your own business, 1909 is your new best friend.
But what exactly is 1909?
“Our membership exists for Founders (small business owners, creative freelancers, startup entrepreneurs) and includes business education workshops, workspace, mentorship, and social/wellness/networking events,” said Danielle Casey, founder. “But most importantly, members gain access to a community of like-minded individuals with shared values, building alongside you, willing to collaborate and help.”
In March 2025, the organization began its next chapter, moving more than 200 businesses into a 9,000-square-foot headquarters in the Comeau Building on Clematis Street. The move signals not only a change in address but a bold step forward in scaling 1909’s impact.
“We had simply outgrown [our original location]. Private offices were on a constant waitlist, our conference rooms were always booked, and it became clear that we needed more room to match the energy and ambition of our members,” Danielle said.
The team knew that location was critical and that West Palm was non-negotiable. “We scoured the city for a space that could truly meet our needs,” Danielle said. “When we first walked into the Comeau space, it was an empty, dilapidated floor that had been neglected for years. It took a lot of vision to see past the decay, but we knew we could transform it into something inspiring and worthy of 1909’s next chapter.”
The design vision was ambitious yet intentional, as it should be, considering the core of the business is built on relationships.
“A PLACE WHERE FOUNDERS CAN THINK BIGGER, CONNECT DEEPER, AND FEEL AT HOME WHILE THEY GROW.”
Danielle casey
“As the designer of both our original and new space, my intention was to create a design that marked a true new chapter for 1909, Danielle said. “Every choice was intentional, so the environment not only works beautifully but also reflects 1909’s ethos: a place where founders can think bigger, connect deeper, and feel at home while they grow.” They created comfort with muntins on the windows at the entrance, familiarity with the plant focal points they’re known for, and community with black and white portraits of their members that ground the space.
Functional additions include four private phone booths, new meeting rooms, and multiple lounges that support both focus and serendipitous collaboration. A wellness room complete with a massage chair, blackout curtains, and aromatherapy reflects the belief that mental health is integral to productivity.
One of the most meaningful aspects of the design was the chance to collaborate with 1909 members themselves. Two standouts were Mary Glazier, aka Gurfer Lady, and local design studio Gather & Seek.
Mary was brought in to create a custom collage wallpaper for the bathroom wall in 1909’s new space using archives from the Historical Society of Palm Beach County.
“Staying true to 1909’s core values, we wanted the design to feel a little rebellious, to embrace both the triumphs and imperfections of our history, while also reflecting the creative energy of today’s founders,” Danielle said.
Gather & Seek also honored history with their contribution: a “History Wall” that tells 1909’s story visually.
“What they created went beyond anything I could have imagined, turning complexity into beauty and giving our community’s story a permanent, living presence in the space,” Danielle said.
Photo by Gather & Seek
These collaborations exemplify 1909’s core values of creating opportunity and fostering collaboration, ensuring that members are not just tenants of the space but co-creators of its identity.
The new headquarters directly supports 1909’s long-term goals: growing membership, increasing programming, and expanding impact. So, if you’re building, dreaming, or even just curious, Danielle believes you belong here and welcomes you with open and ambitious arms.
