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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6 comments:
Wow, really nice!! I just have a problem with the signs; co-worker is a hyphenated word, and for good reason.
It is a very nice space and welcome addition to the neighborhood. I noticed that the massive warehouse right behind it on 4th Street and Hoyt (where the fencing school used to be) being completely gutted as well. Lots of permits posted with a rendering as well. I have a feeling it's going to be utilized the same way as the Co-Workers building (until zoning changes, if it ever does)
Also, I heard that the concrete company at 5th and Hoyt has to vacate sometime next year as it's city property and the city not re-newing their lease. Anyone hear that to be true?
I like where your camera clicks, Katia - I feel like I'm exploring with you - such as here, a new store, the neighborhood.
That is a very nice thing to say. Thanks.
co-working spaces tend to be trojan horses for residential development, right? so isn't this just another step towards the rapid gentrification of the neighborhood?
on one hand, i think it's great to get more office space in the area - it's needed - but i imagine that it will be short-lived.
what's happening here, will likely be the same as what is already happening in industry city.
that is, in ten years time, the property will be rezoned as live/work spaces or go directly over to residential, and then the owners will sell for a very substantial profit. and then, the buildings may be torn down in exchange for high rises, or, at the very least, converted to lofts / apartments.
in the mean time, the creative types, who are drawn in by the relatively low cost of an office space, will unwittingly do the leg work of attracting other businesses to the neighborhood. food carts, then restaurants, then bars and other conveniences will appear, and all of that will make the area more attractive to home buyers with deep pockets.
so, when the property is eventually rezoned, the market will be primed, i'm guessing.
Totally spot-on, @Chance Bliss!
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