A coworking space focused on women and featuring a full slate of concierge services will soon open in Pittsburgh.
Coterie Company will open October 17th on the ninth floor of the Frick Building on Grant St., Downtown.
By December the company plans on taking over 35,000 square feet. They will be moving to permanent space on the 19h floor and opening up the penthouse which will house a coffee and juice bar as well as event space with a large terrace.
The penthouse, currently a cubicle farm but originally Frick’s cigar lounge and formal dining area, will be restored to its original purpose as a grand entertainment venue.
Pittsburgh is the second location after Charlotte, where Coterie is based. “There’s a cool sophistication here,” says Joanna Bailey, founder & CEO of Coterie. “We love the people and their generosity of spirit, their willingness to create connections. There’s an ambition and community we are ready to plug into and serve.”
Bailey also cites being able to open Coterie in the heart of downtown which is both convenient for members plus highly walkable to so many amenities such as restaurants, galleries and performances. “We are excited to be part of the rebirth of the Golden Triangle,” says Bailey.
Coterie is female-focused, but not female exclusive with the capacity to serve 1,000 members at the Pittsburgh space.
“Co-working spaces are 80% male by default because of the specific niches they serve,” says Bailey. “Our emphasis is on developing women personally and professionally who want a higher standard.”
Many professional development opportunities are available, she notes, from networking events to lunch-and-learns. Business support is provided in the form of private meeting and conference rooms, wireless projection and writing walls.
In addition, on-site concierges can attend to any need of members, from travel arrangements, meeting or dinner reservations, to researching children’s summer camp options.
Members can also take advantage of an array of health and wellness support from Wednesday evening yoga to Saturday fitness classes which will feature a range of activities—from barre to self-defense—with a different instructor each week.
Women from a variety of industries are signing up to join the Coterie. “The idea is very exciting and complementary to our business,” says Kate Stoltzfus, of the women’s entrepreneurship community Propelle, who has joined with her co-pilot Emily Levenson. “It helps us get outside our bubble and expose us to new energy,” adds Levenson.
Bailey, in turn, wants to attract members who are “looking beyond themselves.” The company gives 10% of its gross quarterly revenue to charities that address water and food shortage, access to education and ending human trafficking.
By the second quarter of next year, she projects that 10 percent of net profits will be available as a funding pool for women. “We want to invest our success back into the community we are serving and help other women do the same thing,” says Bailey.
Founder’s Memberships start at a discounted $195 per month and these rates are locked in for life for the first 300 members.
The penthouse event space will be available for rent beginning December 12 by members (who get a discount) and non-members alike just in time for holiday party season.
