COMMUNITY

The former Leaf-Chronicle building in downtown Clarksville has undergone a lot of change since the tornado of 1999, and now, the creative team at Leo and Lillie Millan’s Millan Enterprises is renovating the space in a way that will give the historic address a decidedly 21st century look, feel and usefulness.

Phase 2 of the project is called The Press, and involves a transformation of the 11,500 SF space formerly known as the mail room, into a coworking space. General Manager, Christina Hayes has had a lead-role in the project’s vision and design.

“When you walk into that space now, where the mail room is, you can feel its history,” Hayes said. “We wanted to preserve that, and at the same time put a new spin on it. We’ve gone in a modern direction with the look, but it was important to preserve the history, so, as an homage, we named the space The Press.”

Josh Ward explained the evolution of the project. “Phase 1 is done,” Ward said. “The Leaf-Chronicle used to occupy 10,000 SF on the second floor. In the digital age they have downsized to about 4,800 SF That other 5,200 SF is what became Phase 1 of The Press. It’s a coworking/networking space with elaborate common areas, shared conference rooms, and lots of amenities.”

Rylan Kean explained the concept and its beginnings. “The idea is really a blend of business incubator and coworker space. It’s in the style of WeWork and similar platforms. We’re working together to create a community for Clarksville that is focused on entrepreneurship and business start-ups, including nonprofits. We’re creating a space that can help a business grow throughout its life cycle.”

“Our ideal tenant can be someone currently working out of a coffee shop, all the way up to someone who has an

Millan Enterprises & The Press

By Tony Centonze

established business or online store. Millan Enterprises covers the entire gamut. We have 750,000 SF of space in this community, from downtown, to Sango, to North Clarksville, everything from warehouse space, to commercial space, to store-fronts. In fact, someone with an existing business might find The Press to be the perfect location for their headquarters.”

“Our vision is to help you launch your business, then take you to the point where you’re ready to run your operations from a 10,000 SF facility.”

When finished, the 11,500 SF space will include offices of varying sizes, an amphitheater, art studio, recording studio, and more. Negotiations are underway to secure licensing that would allow Starbucks products to be served.

Flexibility is a big part of this concept as well. “We will be selling memberships that will allow people to use our common areas for work,” Kean said. “Those memberships will be month to month, so no long-term commitment. With a basic membership, you can walk in and have access to tables, desks, etc. We’ll also have dedicated desks which can be rented, providing a place to keep your things. Two-person to twelveperson offices will be available as well.”

When you consider the average price for traditional office space downtown can range from $12 to $15 per square foot, the cost advantage becomes very clear. “While you’re renting a 200 SF. office for x-dollars per month, you’re getting free coffee, wi-fi and utilities, plus you have access to event spaces and conference rooms. So its difficult to calculate the cost per square foot. There is so much free space,” Kean said.

“It’s a great way to take advantage of large-scale amenities without having to pay for it by the foot. If you rent a 4,000 SF office to get everything you need, there will be many days when you’re paying for space you don’t use."

“And, everything is month to month, which is great for start-ups. So much better than signing a minimum lease of 12 or 24 months. We’re meeting the business right where they need to be. For example, someone working on the new arena project might need to come into town and rent an office for just three months, we have what they need. But, we can offer more traditional leases if that better suits the tenant.”

Olivia Morton has also been instrumental in the space’s new look. “The name The Press pays homage to the printing press that was in that space for years,” Morton said.

“It’s our way of paying respect to The Leaf-Chronicle, and all they’ve done for, and meant to, this community. The Leaf-Chronicle’s former editor Chris Smith provided us with a collection of historical archive photographs that will be used throughout the space. These photos represent historic moments in Clarksville’s history, but the industrial

Rylan Kean worked in a coworking space in Nashville for more than a year, when Leo Millan started communicating his ideas, Kean was eager to help bring the concept to life.

“Leo has always been on a mission to help small business in Clarksville, which can be a daunting process,” Kean said. “As soon as Leo shared his vision for that space we all started researching different ways to make it happen. There are similar concepts operating in Dickson, Chattanooga, Nashville and Knoxville. We took the best ideas from those spaces. We looked at what they did well, then figured out what made sense for Clarksville. We then allowed room to grow. We have the space and the ability.”

“Leo is on the Board of APSU’s Business School, Ward said. “Before we ever heard the term coworking space or WeWork, Leo had talked about wanting to do an incubator that takes an infant business and grows it to maturity, while connecting it with resources along the way. When the coworking fad arose, he was like, ‘that’s what I’ve been thinking’."

“It’s more than just providing a space; it’s connecting them with people who can help get their business off the ground. Imagine a young start-up in the same space as an attorney, and a CPA. That proximity gives them opportunities for collaboration, and a way to establish professional relationships, share advice, and help each other."

“Maybe the start-up is a t-shirt business, and the attorney needs t-shirts. The networking opportunities can really be limitless when you have so many different businesses in an environment like this.”

The Press will have about thirty true offices. “But the model is more geared toward memberships,” Kean said. “We’re very flexible. If the demand is for more offices, or more memberships, we can respond accordingly.

“We have the capacity to accommodate several hundred people, if needed. We can also host events. We’ll have a recording studio for podcasts and live streaming, an art studio, an art gallery, and more. We’ve also created a membership for APSU students, that allows them to use the facility after traditional business hours at a reduced cost. That expands our reach into the community.”

COVID-19 has presented unique challenges, and opportunities, but hasn’t really slowed the project. “We know now that there is a huge need for virtual learning in the classroom and in the community,” Kean said. “I see us being able to accommodate those needs. CDE is providing all our internet, including free, open wi-fi in the common areas. Of course, each office will be able to get whatever bandwidth their business requires."

“There is always a high demand on contractors and other resources. It has taken time to build this business model, while also building the operations and design side. If anything, the timing of COVID-19 and this project has allowed us to look at the future, taking into account the changes to normal that might occur."

“Phase 1 still has ten units available for lease right now, seven spaces are already occupied. Phase 2 will have all the amenities, larger amounts of rooms, open spaces, and an industrial kitchen, but all that is a little further down the road. Our goal is to have it ready by November.”

Hector Sandoval will assist Christina Hayes in the daily management of The Press. Tenants will be able to access their offices at any time, though some areas will have restrictions. Conference rooms will be available on a scheduled basis. They can be rented by non-tenants as well. Day passes will be offered, and there will be phone booths to keep down noise and allow for private conversations, interviews etc. Printer access is included. Commercial printers are on site. Tenants will receive a certain allotment, additional printing can be purchased.

The amphitheater will hold 40 to 50 people, but doors can be opened to accommodate up to 150 people. Coffee and water will be provided. Artists can rent space in the studio and/or gallery. There will also be a mailbox service for every office, and mail service at an additional cost for members.

“So, you can see it’s not just offices, but networking, professional development, etc,” Kean said. “We see so much opportunity. In the mornings, a local banker might host a presentation with free bagels, that afternoon, maybe a local lawyer holds an event that focuses on start-ups and business planning. We’ve also met with APSU’s Dr. Lorneth Peters. We look forward to hosting some of APSU’s events. We are excited to partner with this community’s established businesses and organizations.

“We’ll also be offering a 90-day scholarship to a new business startup. We want to help them from the ground floor to the launch. So, we’ll be providing what will be several thousand dollars worth of resources, it’s a unique opportunity. We’re asking community business-owners to apply. We will select one business and we will give them free space once they launch, but before that, we’ll be helping get their marketing materials, business plan, licensing, registration and insurance. Hopefully, we can watch them rocket to success. It will be a great case-study to show off the power of The Press.”

To inquire about The Press or other office space around Clarksville, contact Millan Enterprises at (931) 538-6049.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Goodson Elected to Lead Municipal Attorneys Group

Jeff Goodson, Deputy City Attorney, has been elected president of the Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association by its members. Goodson, who previously served as vice president and as secretary/treasurer of the organization, will serve as president for a one-year term through July 2021. Goodson has worked in the Clarksville City Attorney’s Office since 2012 and previously worked in private practice in Nashville. He has won numerous important cases both in private practice and while employed by the City. He also has given numerous legal presentations and is a published legal author. “This is truly quite an honor, and stands as a professional highlight and milestone for me,” Goodson said in a speech to TMAA members. “This association is the gold standard for attorney organizations and, for that matter, professional organizations of any sort throughout this State, and throughout the country. I’m looking forward to serving as President, and I want to thank you all for this very

humbling and exciting opportunity.” Goodson is a graduate of Harding University in Searcy, Ark., and received his Juris Doctorate law degree in 2004 from the University of Memphis.

The Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Association is a statewide organization of attorneys, both in private practice and government employed, who provide legal representation to cities and towns across the state. The association promotes effective legal services for Tennessee municipalities and conducts continuing legal education pertinent to municipal corporations.

Traditionally, the association works closely with the Tennessee Municipal League to review case law decisions made by courts, and to review and draft proposed legislation in the Previously chaired by F&M Bank’s Sarah Golden, the Public & Community Affairs Committee is now chaired by Grayson Smith of TTL. Under his leadership, the Public & Community Affairs Committee will continue to award facade improvement grants to qualifying downtown businesses. Grant monies are from the Aspire Foundation. Originally $75,000 was allotted. Jeff Goodson

Tennessee General Assembly that affects Tennessee cities.

The TMAA is part of the International Municipal Attorneys Association made up of attorneys from across the United States and Canada who represent cities and towns.

Lance Baker, Clarksville City Attorney, previously served as president of the

Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce Continues to Award Facade Improvement Grants Through the Aspire Foundation

TMAA in 2017-18. Grants are given in the form of matching funds., up to $25,000 per application. These funds can be used for a range of improvements including: repainting, facade reconstruction, and structural improvements to the exterior of the building.

For more information contact the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

The James G. and Christa N. Holleman estate recently provided substantial funding for the James G. and Christa N. Holleman Scholarship Endowment. The endowed scholarship was established in 2010 by the Hollemans to support students in the Austin Peay State University College of Business.

To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be currently enrolled at APSU with a major in business and a minimum GPA of 3.0. Undergraduate students at the sophomore, junior and senior levels are eligible to receive this award. Preference will be given to students who are residents of Montgomery County. Recipients must reapply each year to renew this scholarship.

James G. and Christa N. Holleman were both Clarksville natives and leaders in the community. They supported a variety of Austin Peay initiatives throughout their lives. Mr. Holleman was a founding director, president and chairman of the Austin Peay State University Foundation. Mrs. Holleman served on the Austin Peay State University Advisory Council. They have four children – James Granville Holleman III, former president of the APSU Foundation John “Mark” Holleman (’87), Robert Dudley Holleman and Martha Elizabeth Holleman.

“Making a difference in people’s lives is what my parents were all about,” Mark Holleman said. “We are so proud of this permanent example of my parents’ commitment to students and to Austin Peay.”

Endowments are permanently restricted funds managed by the Austin Peay State University Foundation. The amount of each scholarship award may vary and will be determined based upon the value of the endowment and the Foundation spending plan.

To support APSU fundraising initiatives, call the Office of University Advancement at 931-221-7127.

James G. & Christa N. Holleman Scholarship Endowment Receives Generous Estate Gift for APSU Students