With residential development and re-zoning pressures in Gowanus increasing in recent years, it is nice to see some beautiful old industrial buildings being rehabilitated and repurposed under existing zoning.
One such example is 68-92 3rd Street, which was once the home of the
International Tile Company.
After an extensive renovation that clearly respected the original structure, the 90,000-square-foot loft building now houses online-annotation company
Genius and
COWORK|RS, which provides office space in an alternative work environment.
Recently, James Tuffery, community manager for
COWORK|RS Gowanus gave PMFA a tour of the company's first Brooklyn space, located on three floors in the building on Third Street. The high wood-beamed ceilings, huge windows and abundance of natural light make this a spectacular space.
The work area is divided into private glass-clad offices, conference rooms, as well as cosy lounge areas. A large kitchen stocks free snacks, freshly brewed coffee, tea and micro brews on tap.
A lower level, still under construction, is reserved for leisure. It will feature foosball, ping pong and a TV lounge.
Several murals by artist
WhisBe adorn some of the large walls in the common areas.
Two large roof decks, when completed, will offer outdoor seating and great views of the surrounding Gowanus neighborhood, including the Culver viaduct.
Some of the addition amenities offered are 24 hour/ 7 days a week access to the space, 'insanely' fast internet, printers and copiers and mail service. And if you want to bring your dog to work, that's ok.
COWORK|RS aims to provide business networking opportunities amongst its members in an "ideal work environment that combines the comfort of home with the atmosphere to pursue their passions."
The first tenants moved in at the end of August and on our recent tour, it was clear that a sense of camaraderie already existed amongst the free-lancers and employees of the start-up companies that occupy the space.
No doubt, COWORK|RS will have no problem finding tenants. Co-sharing office space is exactly the type of as-of-right use we need and should encourage here in Gowanus. It obviously makes financial sense and brings new life to existing industrial buildings that have been sitting empty in the area for decades.
If interested in renting a desk, office or meeting space of COWORK|RS Gowanus, you can schedule a tour
here.
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