Coworking spaces in the Alleghenies offer cost savings, convenience and collaboration

By Bev Molnar

The surge in remote work over the past five years has created a demand for convenient virtual working spaces. For those who travel frequently, the ability to work from anywhere is equally important. 

Many communities are rising to the challenge by creating coworking spaces — office spaces that are shared by workers for different companies, usually for a fee. Such arrangements are also popular with entrepreneurs, independent contractors and startup firms. Coworking provides cost savings and convenience through the use of common infrastructures, such as equipment, utilities, receptionist and custodial services, and parcel pickup/delivery. For those with remote employment, coworking can help avoid feelings of social isolation and eliminate home-office distractions.

“Coworking spaces address a variety of needs for today’s professionals. Many workers seek a sense of community that fosters networking, idea sharing and opportunities for collaboration,” said Kendra Kielbasa, retail and commercial business advocate for the Downtown State College Improvement District. “While some offices have implemented a hybrid return to in-person work, the demand for flexible work options will continue to grow in the foreseeable future.”

If you need to work while visiting the Alleghenies region sometime soon, here are a few coworking options to consider.

Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub

Opened in November 2021, the Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College is named after the former Penn State University president whose legacy includes a dedication to fostering and supporting entrepreneurship at campuses and communities across Pennsylvania. The Dr. Keiko Miwa Ross Coworking Commons, an open, spacious area on the first floor of the six-story building, has tables and modular seating areas for collaboration and community building. The downtown location provides many opportunities to engage with neighboring businesses, making it easy to grab coffee or lunch.

Calder Way Co-Share

Set to open in State College in November 2024, this affordable space features seven independent offices, two private conference rooms and a shared kitchen. Driven by other pop-up successes, the bright and open space is designed to foster local innovation, entrepreneurship and startups. Rent for the shared office space includes utilities, high-speed internet and cleaning services. Individual office spaces can be rented month-to-month or longer term.

Bellefonte SpringBoard

Powered by Downtown Bellefonte, Inc., Bellefonte SpringBoard supports local economic development and small business with a variety of resources and programming, including coworking. Four membership options provide access to a variety of amenities, such as a homelike environment with comfortable furniture, high-speed Internet and a private area for phone calls and videoconferencing. If you’re visiting, you can purchase a day pass for temporary use.

An extension of Bellefonte SpringBoard, in partnership with the Bellefonte Intervalley Area Chamber of Commerce, is a no-cost outdoor coworking space at the Bellefonte Train Station. On nice days, you’ll find community members drinking coffee or getting work done at the outdoor tables and chairs under the eaves of the historic building overlooking Talleyrand Park. Free WiFi is available by stopping in the train station.

Gavel and Quill

Gavel and Quill was created to reimagine the possibilities of a coworking space to offer flexibility to match the evolving demands of freelancers, entrepreneurs and other creative professionals. A day pass includes use of a desk and high-speed WiFi; three monthly membership tiers offer varying levels of access to amenities that include shared desks, meeting rooms, a lounge area, printing services, a kitchenette and coffee bar. A conference room with a table and eight chairs can be rented by the hour. Snacks and bottled water are also available for purchase.

Made in Johnstown

Made in Johnstown is a makerspace that offers 24/7 access to shop space, equipment, technology and machinery for makers and artisans. Metal and woodworking shops, shared studio space for jewelry and ceramics, and a 3D printing lab are available to those who take advantage of an individual or team membership. Storage units and private studio spaces are available on a limited basis. Classes and workshops are open to nonmembers, and visitors are welcome to drop by for a tour before deciding if a monthly membership is right for them.

Bev Molnar is a freelance writer and a public relations specialist at Penn State University Libraries. She can be reached at bgs3@psu.edu.