New Membership-Based Coworking and Events Facility Opens in Downtown Albany
August 13, 2018 - ALBANY, NY - The City of Albany, Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID), and Capitalize Albany Corporation held the official grand opening of one of the newest additions to the city’s Central Business District on Monday, August 13, 2018. Mayor Kathy M. Sheehan, Capitalize Albany Corporation President Sarah Reginelli, Assembly Member John T. McDonald III, founder and co-owner of CoLab, Stacks Espresso Bar, and Leet Systems Tyler Wrightson, and Downtown Albany BID Executive Director Georgette Steffens delivered remarks followed by a ceremonial ribbon-cutting and open house reception.
Coworking has become an increasingly popular alternative to the typical office setting. It involves sharing physical space, ideas, equipment, and knowledge with individuals who work for multiple different employers. Coworking is especially beneficial for entrepreneurs and freelancers, as it significantly reduces overhead costs for individuals who might be just starting their business or don’t necessarily need a regular office.
“I am proud that diverse new businesses, especially those embracing the needs of today’s constantly changing workforce, are establishing themselves in Downtown while contributing to the area’s continual and positive transformation,” said City of Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “Based on Tyler’s experience in running and expanding a successful coffee chain and cybersecurity firm, it is clear he recognizes the potential for success in Downtown and I wish him and his team the best of luck.”
Assembly Member John T. McDonald III said, “Collaborative thinking and working frequently leads to productivity and innovation. CoLab is a positive addition to a growing Downtown population and will draw more creative thinkers to the community. Congratulations to Tyler for opening this space and thank you for creating this atmosphere that will allow many to come together to build success and foster collective growth.”
“CoLab lights up another critical storefront and amplifies downtown Albany’s building momentum,” said Capitalize Albany Corporation president Sarah Reginelli. “With the recent growth of our local coworking landscape, startups, freelancers and professionals have more choice of where to work than ever. Having another prime coworking space with the quality and energy of CoLab boosts the creative economy and economic growth in the region.”
“We are so pleased to open CoLab to the downtown Albany community,” said CoLab founder and co-owner Tyler Wrightson. “While striking in appearance, CoLab is so much more than its physical space – it’s about establishing a community where innovators, entrepreneurs, engineers, artists, students, and collaborators from all walks of life can work independently or in groups to accomplish their goals and achieve success,” he continued. “As someone with a history of working on multiple projects at once, I understand how important it is to be able to access these types of resources at an affordable cost.”
"As our neighborhood continues to diversify with new retail and dining establishments, the opening of a state-of-the-art coworking and events facility exemplifies the introduction of yet another high-end amenity for residents, employees, and visitors to utilize," said Georgette Steffens, executive director of the Downtown Albany BID. "Young professionals are moving into Downtown more than they have in decades, and with the increase of freelancers and employees working remotely, having a creative place to collaborate while accessing important technological amenities is vital."
CoLab, which takes up 3,000 square feet inside the first floor of the newly renovated Arcade Building (488 Broadway) and across the hall from the popular Stacks Espresso Bar, aims to operate as a performance-driven habitat to forge connections, nurture creativity, and inspire productivity. It’s a membership-based coworking and events space in downtown Albany that offers creative individuals seeking a non-traditional work environment a functional space equipped with key resources to focus and inspire ingenuity. Whether you're seeking a place to network, a place to host a productive collaboration, or a way to increase personal efficiency, CoLab offers an inviting venue for almost any occasion.
Amenities available to members of CoLab include the following:
• Full access for members and daily users during hours of operation
• Fast and secure Wi-Fi
• Printing
• Secure document shredding
• Package delivery
• Event space
• Access to various events & talks
• Dog & baby-friendly spaces
• Access to projector, screen, and speakers
• Conference space
• Networking & flexibility
• Private phone room
• Kitchen with available storage
• Charging accessories (available for sign-out)
CoLab is located at 488 Broadway and is open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM every day of the week. To learn more or become a member, visit: https://colabalb.com
