By Ryan Hecht, Arvada Chamber of Commerce Marketing Director
The Arvada Community Room opened in October 2022 in Olde Town Arvada, as a gathering space for companies, community organizations, families, and neighbors. They offer hourly, half-day, and full-day reservations for the space located beside Stone Cellar Bistro.
“We started this business in Arvada because it is a city we know and love,” says owner Dr. Danielle Varda, who is also the CEO of Visible Network Labs and a Jefferson County School Board Director. “I’ve lived in Arvada for almost 20 years, and have three girls in Arvada schools. Olde Town has become a vibrant place and we are excited to contribute to the thriving culture and growth of the city.”
What was your goal in opening the Arvada Community Room?
Our original vision for the space was that it be a place where teams that were moved to virtual environments could gather in-person to spark creativity, build connectedness, and strengthen relationships. After looking for a space for our own virtual team to meet occasionally in-person, we struggled to find something that was private, modular, and located in a vibrant area where people like to gather. When we couldn’t find it, we decided to build it!
When I met this building’s owner, I asked her what kind of business she wanted in this space. She said “Something that is good for the community.” I told her my idea and she loved it, right off the bat.
I love creating beautiful spaces. The renovation here was really fun. It was originally red and yellow and the private conference room was not there.
What do you love about owning this space?
This has connected me to the community in ways I’ve never experienced. Which is funny because in my other business, I study social connectedness. As a network scientist, I measure connection and community. It was important to me to have a place that could bring the community together.
After getting started, we realized that the community’s need for gathering is increasing and people need regular, occasional, and one-time meeting space. Today, we host baby showers, work retreats, community meetings, celebrations of life, and all sorts of events.
The best part about this industry is getting to meet the people who are celebrating and gathering, and to hear their stories, dreams, and what they are excited about. I always say that if these walls could talk, they would tell the stories of celebrations of the start, and end of life, and all the special moments in between.
Were you surprised by the kinds of events that were being hosted here?
Yes! The number one activity or event here is a baby shower and I have racked my brain to figure out why. I also see people come every Thanksgiving and others host their Christmas party here.
This may relate to our housing issue. I can imagine east-coast transplants who want to host a Friendsgiving, but there’s no room in a one or two-bedroom apartment. Same with a baby shower. People who are priced out of baby showers because they’re priced out of homes.
I really do think that could be true. People who don’t have access to space can find a “home away from home” here. What is also nice about hosting here is that you don’t have to pick up your home before people come over.
What events can businesses host here?
This space is good for community meetings, retreats, and workshops. We’ve seen board meetings and creative events like postcard writing campaigns. Many different kinds of businesses come here. Every Thursday night, a chess company is here giving lessons.
What advice would you give a new business or entrepreneur in Arvada?
This is the second business I’ve founded and in both cases the most important thing I’ve learned is the first year is going to be hard, and it’s unlikely you will turn a profit quickly or maybe at all. The first year is all about investing any revenue back into the business to grow it and get it to a sustainable place. So be patient, don’t give up, and work hard every day.
What have you learned about this business community and serving the people of Arvada?
Arvada is a great community! The people who live and work here are kind hearted and care about their community. When we provide a place for people to gather, a synergy grows that connects us in ways we didn’t expect, and we all benefit from.
One of the things I love about having this space is that I can use it as a gift to things I support, like our schools. So I tell all the principals that I represent in this area to come here, bring your leadership team, and get off campus. Use it to spark your creativity.
How has opening this business benefited your role as a community leader?
I have never felt so connected to Arvada as I do right now. It makes me feel like I have a leadership role in the community, even just as a business owner. I like being able to think about the community in that way: how can I help the community thrive and grow.
What impact has the Arvada Community Room had on your family?
My mom and my aunt ran a trinket shop when I was young. We lived in El Paso, Texas and it was in this little casita down a dirt alley. I have memories of my mom at the shop, so I know that my daughters when they come here, are growing up with a similar story. It’s fun to think about the memories that we’re creating as a family and as a business owner in Arvada.
The Arvada Community Room
7601 Grandview Ave, Arvada, CO 80002
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