The pandemic has left a lot of companies — and a lot of employees — reassessing what they want out of “going to the office.” A Columbus-based company is betting that the future is going to look more like a retail space — with flexible, coworking spaces inside.
COhatch plans to open two new spaces in Pittsburgh — one in the long-vacant Talbots retail shop on Walnut Street in Shadyside and the other in the former Gap store at The Waterfront in Homestead.
“We chose Pittsburgh as our next city because of the number of great neighborhoods and the strong support of its local community,” says Matt Davis, co-founder and CEO of COhatch.
Since the company utilizes so many different types of buildings, COhatch sites can include everything from typical private offices and event spaces to arcades, movie screening rooms, restaurants and even small breweries. The spaces are intended to appeal to anyone in need of workspace: entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups, nonprofits and bigger companies looking for satellite offices.
Prices vary depending on the space needed but start as low as $75 a month.
Shadyside was picked for its vibrant shopping district along Walnut Street. The old Talbots space is 13,000 square feet and three stories tall. The space in The Waterfront is 11,157 square feet.
COhatch is considering more Pittsburgh locations for expansion as well. The Pittsburgh Business Times reported that the company was close to a deal at SouthSide Works, to take over the adjacent spaces formerly occupied by McCormick & Schmick’s and Sur La Table.
“There are several sites that we’re considering but haven’t finalized yet, and that’s one of them,” says COhatch spokesperson Jess Ensley.
The first two Pittsburgh locations are expected to open by the end of 2022. COhatch plans to have 500 locations across 50 cities by 2032.