Schenectady, N.Y. — Jeff Goronkin, Co-founder & CEO of Urban Co-Works, has announced plans to move the business to the newly rehabilitated building, The Benjamin, at 430 Franklin St. in Schenectady, New York later this summer. The move is in partnership with Spraragen Partners, who purchased the building in March 2020. Goronkin plans to open the new space by September 2021.
The new coworking space location will occupy the entire second floor of The Benjamin and have 34 offices, multiple conference rooms, a large coworking space, kitchen area, privacy booths, and access to the roof-top deck.
“The new home of Urban Co-Works will allow us to meet the needs of a shifting market and properly position the company for continued growth,” said Jeff Goronkin, Co-founder & CEO of Urban Co-Works. “Our affordable and flexible options will provide members access to our highly functional industrial-chic office environment where they can quietly work, meet with their team members or clients in one of our conference rooms, produce content in our huddle room equipped with podcasting and video equipment, or enjoy a break on our roof-top deck and take in the beautiful scenes of Schenectady.”
Currently located at 433 State St., Urban Co-Works has seen an increase in demand for private offices and flexible workspaces. “Many people who have been working from home still do not have an office to go to for a variety of reasons. While some companies temporarily closed their offices, others have closed them permanently and are embracing the work from home option. These businesses have seen a savings on costs associated with lengthy leases and in many cases, have experienced an increase in productivity from their employees. At the same time, many of these employees are ready to stop working at home and move into a distraction free professional work environment. So, after Spraragen Partners purchased The Benjamin and stripped the building down to the bare bones, we saw this as an opportunity to create a gorgeous space for a post-pandemic workforce,” said Goronkin.
“When we bought The Benjamin, our vision was to create a sleek, modern space that fits in with the neighborhood and on our tight knit community,” said Brooke Spraragen of Spraragen Partners. “Urban Co-Works checks both boxes. Jeff is a community partner and has been great to work with. His entire business model centers around bringing people together and as they expand, they will be introducing more and more people to downtown Schenectady.”
Spraragen Partners co-owner Chris Spraragen added, “Urban Co-Works provides businesses with the appeal of a modern office for a fraction of the price. “Thanks to New York State, we have secured DRI funding which has helped us immensely when designing and planning for the fit up of this space. We are excited to make this formal tenant announcement and move forward with construction.”
Located steps away from the Jay St. pedestrian corridor, The Benjamin is in the heart of the city and part of downtown Schenectady’s ongoing transformation. It is across from City Hall and Urban Co-Works members can walk out the front door and purchase produce and other goods at the weekly farmers market, grab a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes, enjoy live entertainment at Proctors or live music throughout the summer on Jay Street.
Simone’s Kitchen, a Mediterranean fusion restaurant, will join Urban Co-Works at The Benjamin and occupy approximately 2500 square feet on the ground level floor. Two other retails tenants will be announced in the upcoming months and the remaining 1750 square feet is available.
The existing Urban Co-Works location at 433 State Street will be leased by a growing company that will expand into the space.
For more information on Urban Co-Works or to interview Jeff Goronkin, please contact Susan Bardack at susan@buzzmediasolutions.com or 518.867.7940. You can learn more about Urban Co-works at www.urbancoworks.com.
About URBAN CO-WORKS
Urban Co-Works the premier office environment for startups, non-profits, and other companies with one or more employees. Located in the heart of downtown Schenectady, NY, the industrial-chic co-working space is steps away from some of the best cafes, restaurants, and entertainment in the Capital Region. At Urban Co-Works, members make valuable connections, participate in events, and stretch their dollars in an all-inclusive office setting. Free Wi-Fi, utilities, conference rooms, printing and a host of other amenities are included in the low monthly fees. For more information and to schedule a tour please visit: www.urbancoworks.com.
ABOUT SPRARAGEN PARTNERS
The Spraragen family have been Schenectady property and business owners since 1923. For nearly 100 years we have had a strong loyalty to our hometown and are devoted to being your community partner. Today we are proud to be a 4th generation local business that plays an active role in our community and in supporting other local businesses. www.spraragenpartners.com.