Centrl Office, a Portland-based co-working company, has opened its first location in Seattle in the historic Kelly-Springfield Building in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The company has seven locations overall, including three in Portland and two in Los Angeles, and is optimistic about the flex space market as more workers and companies adapt to post-pandemic work trends. Centrl co-founder Alex Hughes highlighted the growing need for flexible office solutions for collaborators who do not require long-term commitments. The company offers shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and offices for rent on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, catering to a variety of work styles and preferences.
Despite the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing of WeWork, a co-working competitor, co-working spaces are thriving in Seattle as employers adjust to remote and hybrid work styles and reduce office space. Seattle’s office market has struggled, with vacancy rates reaching nearly 29% in the second quarter, according to a report from Colliers. Centrl Office has taken over the entire Kelly-Springfield Building, offering 53,000 square feet of co-working space spread across five floors. The space includes small and large meeting rooms, a common area kitchen, a rooftop deck with panoramic views, and privacy pods for individual work.
As Centrl Office prepared for its opening, workers were busy assembling furniture and decorating the space to welcome its first customers. Some former WeWork members are expected to return, while other groups in traditional office spaces are exploring more flexible options as their leases expire. Centrl Office has capitalized on the opportunity to provide a flexible and collaborative work environment in a prime location in Seattle, catering to the changing needs of modern workers and companies. The fourth floor of the building, originally planned as dedicated space for Microsoft, is now available for a traditional lease at 17,000 square feet.
In addition to Centrl Office, the Capitol Hill neighborhood has seen the opening of other innovative businesses, such as the high-tech indoor golf experience Five Iron Golf and Mt. Joy, a sustainable chicken sandwich startup. These additions reflect the vibrant and diverse nature of the neighborhood, which has become a hub for technology, entrepreneurship, and creativity. With its convenient location and unique amenities, including the rooftop deck and panoramic views, Centrl Office offers a modern and dynamic workspace for individuals and teams looking for a flexible and collaborative work environment in Seattle’s bustling Capitol Hill neighborhood.
As the co-working industry continues to evolve and adapt to changing work trends, Centrl Office remains at the forefront of providing innovative and flexible office solutions for a diverse range of workers and companies. The company’s expansion into Seattle marks a significant milestone in its growth trajectory, as it looks to establish a strong presence in key markets across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. With its focus on collaboration, community, and flexibility, Centrl Office is poised to meet the evolving needs of modern professionals and businesses in the post-pandemic era.
