Event Space - Networking - Small Gatherings - Practice - Space

RENTAL À la carte This space is priced for folks who just need the space to hold a small gathering, a standing meeting, a meet-up, or a networking event. It could be used as a practice area. OUR STORY Hello, my name is Mark Gilvey, and it has always been a dream to run my own commercial photo studio. One day, it happened. I got a call from a multi-billion dollar manufacturer while working out of my basement. They said I was the only one in Northern Virginia who claimed to be a commercial photographer—the SEO work I did on my website really paid off! When it came time to move, they said I needed a bay door to be able to accept bathtubs to photograph. With that, my wife pushed me to get this location. It's not far from I-95, and it's near Simon Malls' Potomac Mills and dining. Heck, there are two big box hardware stores within walking distance! What's not to like? We worked together from 2014, until COVID-19. I still had work in 2019, but it all came to an end in 2020. They kept me as a vendor, but didn't use my services. It has been a big strain on the business on all kinds of levels. So now I'm ready to invite others into my creative space—my home away from home. Welcome to Mark Gilvey Creative. LOCATION We are located in the PS Business Center (though they may be in a rebranding process, the sign says Great Oaks Business Park). It is located a half mile from Potomac Mills Mall and right around the corner from restaurants and hardware supply stores. We are about 25 minutes from Washington, DC, DCA, right off I-95 exit 158. IMPORTANT: CLIMATE CONTROL I have worked in this location for nearly 10 years. I have been able to acclimate to the summer months (June to mid-September) by just getting used to the heat (you drink a lot of water, which is good for you) and using space heaters during the winter months.   There isn't any HVAC to speak of. During the winter months (October–May), I keep the bay door closed with some insulation, sealing the openings and the full width of the roll-up door. I have been able to get the studio area to 45˚ without any supplemental heating. Pullover temperature for most men.  If you are holding a meeting, I held a photography meeting here in December with only 15 people, and it warmed up pretty well.  There is a heater near the ceiling. It costs a lot per hour to operate it. You will be billed $500 if you touch it. It is not to be touched. USAGE The pricing is specifically for the following uses. This mixed-use studio is perfect for workshops, and small gatherings. Here are just a few ideas for how to use our space: Workshops, dance classes, lectures, vendor showcases, collaboration, photography workshops, book launches, and product launches This is merely a small sample of the many ways you can use our studio space. We are open to your ideas, and we will work with you to create the perfect space for your needs. NATURAL LIGHTING The studio has natural lighting that comes through the front office windows, and into the studio area with the bay door open. BAY DOOR The 13'x13' bay door, when open, provides nice soft lighting all day, with very little direct light from May to October. From October through May, it's pretty cold. Open at your discretion. I normally have the bay door shut and insulated during the winter. Please discuss your needs. KITCHENETTE: There is also a kitchen area complete with a refrigerator and microwave FOOD There are plenty of options for food within two miles of the studio; you are free to bring it to the studio. If you use any of the kitchenette facilities, make sure you clean and put things away before you leave. Cold bottled water, coffee, and other light refreshments may also be provided by the studio, at no charge. Outside catering is welcome.