Office Space News
Shared Office Concept Opens Near Philadelphia
Published January 15th, 2009 by Jennifer LeClaire
Here’s a real estate entrepreneur who’s getting creative in a down economy…
David Halliday, managing partner of Village Centre Properties, has converted a turn-of-the-century factory in Souderton Borough, Pennsylvania into shared office space for rent. Souderton Borough is near Philadelphia.
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Part of the allure of shared offices is the social interaction that comes with going into an office every day. Working in a professional environment with other entrepreneurs offers networking – and perhaps even bartering – opportunities to which home-based business owners might not be exposed.
Halliday targeted an old Furniture Mart building as his third shared offices project. Village Center Properties also has shared office space in Blooming Glen and Pipersville. The renovated factory will open February 15, 2009.
A Flexible Workspace
Home to a single business for years, more than two dozen businesses can now take up residence in the shared office building. It’s called Village Centre Workspace and it promises a flexible membership plan with the option to choose between open workstations and semi-private offices.
Halliday told the Souderton Independent that his business plan is “to provide a professional environment for people who would not be able to afford it or think to have it.” His targets are entrepreneurs, freelancers, self-employed business people.
That matches the mission of the shared office industry. The concept is proven. The question is whether or not this Philadelphia suburb needs and wants a shared office building. Halliday’s experience and research tells him it does.
What Village Centre Workspace Offers
Village Centre Properties’ latest project will host 28 offices for rent, as well as communal space shared – conference rooms, an espresso lounge, restrooms and work spaces – with other office renters. The office rent scales from $400 to $1,000 a month.
All Workspace members get 24-hour access, free Wi-Fi, access to the conference room, shipping station, copiers and self-serve espresso lounge. The site features 24/7 electronic security access and high-speed Internet and is close to restaurants, post offices and other businesses.
Halliday reports a good response to the concept so far. Not only is he helping bring affordable office space to entrepreneurs near Philadelphia, he’s also part of the revitalization of Souderton’s Main Street while preserving a historical building.
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Melanie Jones January 16th, 2009 at 5:49 am
I like what Village Centre Properties is doing on the shared office front. I saw on their web site that they have a history of refurbishing historic buildings for office rentals around Philadelphia.
City officials and citizens of the area appreciate that, and he probably gets a lot of attention by taking this approach.
The buildings also have great character, which is appealing to freelancers and entrepreneurs looking for a cool office to rent.
Elizabeth Sanchez January 16th, 2009 at 7:00 am
I love the shared office concept. I am wondering what caused Halliday to go with shared offices rather than more private executive office suites. In any case, he seems to have hit a sweet spot in the Philadelphia suburb for alternative office space. He’s got a really flexible solution here that caters to the needs of various types of office users.
Rob Zeus January 19th, 2009 at 7:47 am
The revitalization story is a strong one. From a marketing standpoint, that’s built in buzz for this office rental. Philadelphia is a historic city and Halliday is making smart moves to rehab old buildings, preserve their historic value, and drive awareness for serviced offices. A brilliant strategy.
Bill Brookshire January 22nd, 2009 at 4:49 am
This is a unique serviced office property, not so much in its offerings but in its historic location. That in itself can be a competitive advantage. I have always enjoyed working and living in neighborhoods that have character. I imagine a lot of people would rather rent office space in a building like this than a generic office space in the suburb, given the choice. Now, these folks have a choice.