Schenectady shared office space part of new industry boom

SCHENECTADY – Before the pandemic, most people went to work at the office. During the pandemic, most people worked from home.
Many will tell you neither was perfect. That’s where a relatively new industry has found its niche. It’s all about co-working or office sharing.

A new co-working space just opened in the Capital Region, and seems to offer the best of both worlds.

It’s called Urban Co-Works on Franklin Street in Schenectady. It overlooks historic Jay Street and City Hall. Step inside, and it’s clear they’re looking toward the future.

"Before the pandemic, it was a lot of educating the local community who we were, where we were, what we do," said General Manager Kristen Guastella.

What they do is provide a space for people to work. They don’t rent out office buildings. They rent out individual offices, complete with furniture, a copy and print center, high-speed internet, office support staff, even your name on the door.

The pricing starts at $625 and works its way up to $2,150. For that price, you get a cushy corner office with floor to ceiling windows.

They’ve also got several conference rooms available, included in your monthly fee, which you’re not locked into. Rentals are done monthly.

There’s also flex memberships if you just need a day or two a week, and a much less expensive common workspace option that provides all the same amenities and a locker for whatever you prefer to leave at the office.

They existed before the pandemic at a smaller location. However, with the rise of remote work and the realization that home doesn’t always cut it, demand for co-work or shared office space is skyrocketing. They have 32 total office spaces, only nine of which are still available.

There’s even free bottomless coffee.

Hear what some of the people who work there think of the new office space by watching the video of Jerry Gretzinger’s story.

MORE INFORMATION: Urban Co-Works