Norwich — Foundry 66 plans to open in downtown Norwich by the end of summer, but don’t look for a blacksmith shop or stacks of metal to be forged into tools in the former Norwich Bulletin building.

The Norwich Community Development Corp. has begun marketing for its planned new shared workspace in 7,200 square feet on the main floor of the former Bulletin building at 66 Franklin St. NCDC officials have been working with Norwich Public Utilities, city building officials and building owner Tim Owens to prepare the space to house numerous small businesses, meetings, classes and an informal lounge area.

While there is no set date for the opening, NCDC President Robert Mills said the agency is gauging interest among small business start-ups to prepare for the opening. Foundry 66 is using its website, and Mills has distributed brochures and business cards — one that offers a free day of use.

“Foundry 66 wants to be your home away from home for your small business,” the card says. “We are the perfect place to access wifi, meet a client, interact with other like-minded individuals, hold a meeting, take classes and build your business.”

Mills said early interest has been strong since advertising started two weeks ago. He has met with three small manufacturing entities — including one food business — four interested in office space and about a dozen people inquiring about the per diem services offered for short-term periods.

On Monday morning, Mills met with a woman who makes jewelry and is looking for low-cost space that would allow her to expand and hire about four employees, Mills said.

Mills compared Foundry 66 services and pricing to gym memberships. A member can pay $25 for one day to use workspace, a resource library, wifi, the lounge with free coffee, kitchenette and printing and supplies.

Those who want more formal, open-area office space would have the options for flex part-time for $140 per month or $200 a month for full-time space. Those wanting a “locked door” office would pay $250 to $400 per month. All members would receive electronic codes to open the main door after hours, with the codes lasting the duration of their rental period.

NCDC’s office at 77 Main St. will move to Foundry 66 and will provide the office staff on weekdays, business planning assistance, accounting assistance and weekly classes.

Maria Miranda, owner of Miranda Creative, which handles NCDC "branding” services, said she knows the communal workspace is needed in Norwich. Miranda Creative uses shared workspace in New London and Guilford and is looking for something similar in the Hartford area to meet with clients there.

“I know there are people in those places looking for similar space here,” Miranda said. “They might have work with the hospitals or the casinos.”

Miranda Creative designed the shortened “F66” logo for NCDC, using a block letter and metallic-looking swirl 66 to hint of a metal foundry. The designer, Carissa Decelles, works remotely in the Windham area for Miranda Creative.

“I know how incredibly hot the market is,” Miranda said. “Communal work spaces are efficient, flexible. We are a world that works on our laptops and our mobiles. But people do need the sense of space, the sense of community to work. To be in a creative center, to be in a vibe.”

For information about Foundry 66, contact NCDC at (860) 887-6964 or at info@foundry66.com.

c.bessette@theday.com