The Commons Partners with IWG in St. Charles
A significant new chapter is beginning for The Commons and the North St. Charles community.
Beginning September 1, 2026, The Commons will operate as HQ at The Commons through a Managed Partnership Agreement with International Workplace Group (IWG), making it the first IWG location in St. Charles County.
IWG is the world’s largest providers of flexible workspace, with 4,000+ locations globally across brands including Regus, Spaces and HQ. The partnership brings that larger network and operating platform to The Commons while creating new opportunities for Commons Group to expand its other community-focused initiatives.
So, what actually changes—and what does it mean for members and the community?
Is The Commons being sold? No.
Paul Dinkins remains the owner of Commons Group, and the local vision behind The Commons remains intact. The biggest change is that IWG’s HQ brand will manage the coworking operation through its established workspace platform, systems and global sales network.
For Commons Group, the partnership is an opportunity to pair the resources of a global workspace organization with something The Commons has spent years building locally: a strong community of entrepreneurs, small businesses, remote workers and residents.
The building will continue evolving. Plans include a new first-floor meeting room and converting some upstairs rooms into additional private offices to meet demand.
What happens to the Commons team?
The Commons team is staying. Roles will evolve as HQ assumes more the day-to-day coworking operation, allowing the existing Commons Group team to spend more time supporting the organization’s other businesses, properties and community initiatives.
HQ will also add a dedicated full-time Community Associate at The Commons to support workspace members and daily operations. That means the partnership isn't simply bringing a new brand to the building—it is also creating a new local employment opportunity.
HQ is currently hiring for this full-time Community Associate for The Commons. View the position and apply here.
What about Shire Lane Estate?
Shire Lane Estate remains part of Commons Group, and the organization plans to devote additional resources toward developing it as a community gathering and event destination. That includes programming, events, property improvements and creating more opportunities for residents and organizations to use and experience the property.
What happens to Commons Fitness?
Commons Fitness remains part of Commons Group and is not becoming part of IWG. The Fitness Center will continue serving members and residents, with Commons Group evaluating opportunities to improve programming and amenities.
What happens to NTxConnect?
NTxConnect is staying local—and growing. NTxConnect has evolved beyond its original connection to The Commons into a broader community platform encompassing the magazine, website, email, local events, jobs, business promotion and community storytelling.
NTx membership will now operate independently from Commons workspace memberships, allowing NTx to focus specifically on connecting residents, businesses and organizations throughout New Town and the broader North St. Charles community.
NTx will also play a larger role in promoting and connecting people with event spaces, including The Commons Courtyard, Fusion Room and Shire Lane Estate.
What does this mean for our community?
Perhaps the biggest story is what the partnership represents. A global organization establishing its first St. Charles County location at The Commons is another significant investment in the continued growth of New Town and St. Charles.
Local entrepreneurs and remote workers gain access to a much larger workspace network. The Commons gains the infrastructure and reach of an international workspace provider. And Commons Group gains more capacity to invest its time and resources into locally focused businesses, properties and initiatives.
For residents who never use a coworking desk, the impact may show up in other ways: more community programming, continued investment in local properties and event spaces, a growing local media platform, new employment opportunities and stronger connections between businesses and residents.
For local businesses, NTxConnect will continue expanding as a way to reach, hire, connect and engage with the North St. Charles community.
For residents, it means a global brand has chosen to invest in this growing part of St. Charles County—while the local team behind The Commons remains committed to building what comes next.
The name on the workspace is changing to HQ at The Commons. The larger mission of building community around it is not.