Tablelist Lead Engineer Andrew Barba works with his team in the newly opened WeWorks office space in Boston. PHOTO BY NICOLAUS CZARNECKI/METRO
A New York-based co-working company is giving entrepreneurial Bostonians an innovative new space to practice its motto – “do what you love.”
Last week, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh cut the ribbon for the entrepreneurial eco-system known as WeWork, which once completely up and running, will be home to 2,200 desks for 600 local companies, all cashing in on the future-friendly idea of shared office spaces.
The company has locations on Melcher Street in the Innovation District, and Atlantic Avenue, across from South Station.
Strolling through WeWork’s Atlantic Avenue office is sure to evoke envy from any cubicle dwelling office worker. The community kitchenette comes equipped with microbrew on tap and fruit infused purified water. Tenants also have access to a game lounge, uniquely designed conference rooms, private phone booths, indoor bike storage and a host of other amenities.
A look inside the newly opened WeWork space in Boston. PHOTO BY NICOLAUS CZARNECKI/METRO
“It seemed natural to open in Boston,” said Hunter Perry, city lead of WeWork Boston. “It is a perfect landscape of technology and has amazing support. It’s very forward thinking and innovative, and there is room for lots of different entrepreneurs.”
In addition to its new Boston locations, WeWork also has 17 spaces in New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Seattle. Another location in London is also on the horizon.
The comfortable and styling shared space doesn’t only lend itself to collaboration, it promotes it.
“Our job Is to push their objectives and connect people,” said Perry. “We have this beautiful space to ultimately attract people to build their companies, and where small businesses and start ups can thrive on both a local and national level.”
Tenants are encouraged to make their space their own with signs, and by writing on the glass walls with dry erase markers.
Having operated its New York branch out of WeWork’s SoHo space, YEC co-founder and COO Ryan Paugh said he was eager to move his Boston team of five to the new shared space.
“Last week we had launch parties, and we got together with some cool entrepreneurs and met with a couple of people in the space that we’ve already figured out ways to collaborate with,” said Paugh. “[WeWork] is going to bring a lot to the Boston community.”
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