This new Del Ray coworking spot is also a kids' play place and cafe
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Photo: John Rorapaugh for LeadingDC
There's a new spot in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood that's a coworking space, kids' play place and cafe all in one.
Why it matters: It's a win-win: Washingtonians with children ages 1 to 6 can find much-needed time for themselves while the kids are entertained, managing partner Stella Borou tells Axios.
State of play: Mulberry Lane opened earlier this month, with a connected cafe called Shorty's serving up coffee, pastries, sandwiches and salads.
- Parents can take to the cafe space to work or hang while their little ones head to the dedicated play space for supervised fun — think a reading corner with storytimes, playhouses shaped like airports, a crafts table and activities like make-your-own-pizza parties.
It also offers a "dine and care" option, where parents can drop their kiddos off while they have a date night at nearby Del Ray destinations Evening Star, Front Porch or Hi/Fi Tex-Mex BBQ.
- They're part of the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, which is also behind Mulberry Lane.
What they're saying: "I'm living through the phase of life we cater to," says Borou, a former Del Ray resident who now lives in Springfield with two young children.
- Borou, who grew up in Germany and once worked in education, tells Axios she couldn't find local spots that catered to both parents and kids.
- Mulberry Lane's on-site play supervisors and good food are key, she says — she wants parents to actually enjoy themselves.
And Borou says she picked Del Ray because it has a large concentration of working parents with young kids.
Between the lines: Borou is careful to point out that Mulberry Lane isn't a replacement for day care. Parents have to stay in the surrounding area and are responsible for things like diaper changes or feedings.
Zoom in: Play passes start at $129, and memberships start at $299 a month. Mulberry Lane also offers party packages.
- Borou plans to open a second-story, adults-only coworking space by the end of the year, she tells Axios, where parents can observe kids playing on the bottom floor via a video system.
- She also anticipates hosting perks like members-only wine tastings at nearby shop Planet Wine.
- Passes for the coworking-playspace combo will start at $199, and memberships will be $499 a month.
A second-story event room is also in the works for birthday parties, says Borou.
If you go: 2016 Mt. Vernon Ave. in Alexandria.
