Is this co-working space in Waterloo, Ont. the office of the future?
A new space in Waterloo, Ont. is being described as the office of the future.
The doors at Den 1880, located at 14 Erb St. W., opened this spring though the building dates back to 1880.
It has housed regional police headquarters, the Communitech Data hub and several insurance companies.
“This space was originally a bond safe that we’ve turned into a podcast studio,” Jacklyn Warmington, Den 1880 operations manager, said during a tour with CTV News.
Jacklyn Warmington, Den 1880's operations manager, on June 24, 2024. (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News)
The building now houses one of Waterloo Region’s newest co-working spaces that’s looking to bridge the gap as businesses and people seek more face-to-face communication.
Other spots in the region, including Workhaus Coworking & Office and Catalyst Commons, have already seen success.
Den 1880 in Waterloo, Ont. (Submitted)
“A lot of the spaces here [locally] are already full. Many of them have waitlists. We’re trying to offer a very niche experience,” Warmington explained.
Jacklyn Warmington, Den 1880's operations manager, on June 24, 2024. (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News)
The opening of Den 1880 comes as more companies offer incentives to get employees back in the office.
“We have weekly yoga classes, we have monthly networking, happy hours for members. Tonight, we’re actually having a poker tournament for charity,” Warmington said. “We often play sports games on TV, we have movie nights.”
Den 1880 in Waterloo, Ont. (Submitted)
Club memberships start at $388/month, which gives individuals access to the space. They can also get a permanent desk to leave their belongings for $588/month, or corporate offices, which begin at $1,688.
“Our private office members have access on the second floor 24/7. We’re here staffed through the week for our club members Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” Warmington said.
Ryan Antooa at Den 1880 on June 24, 2024. (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News)
For members like Ryan Antooa, who runs his own agency out of the building, it’s a no-brainer given the collaborative opportunities.
“We’ve had people here that have become clients. We’ve had people here that have become partners that we work with,” he said.
Nabil Fahel at Den 1880 on June 24, 2024. (Spencer Turcotte/CTV News)
Fellow member, Nabil Fahel, lives just a few hundred metres away but agrees it’s worth it because he doesn’t have to worry about overhead costs, maintenance fees or even furniture.
“I really do like the ability to have a dedicated space for me to come, focus and bump into friends and share ideas,” he explained.
The corporate world continues to find its footing following the pandemic’s seismic shift, but it seems co-working spaces could be here to stay.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Canadian family stuck in Lebanon anxiously awaits flight options amid Israeli strikes
A Canadian man who is trapped in Lebanon with his family says they are anxiously waiting for seats on a flight out of the country, as a barrage of Israeli airstrikes continues.
Suspect in shooting of Toronto cop was out on bail
A 21-year-old man who was charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a Toronto police officer this week was out on bail at the time of the alleged offence, court documents obtained by CTV News Toronto show.
Scientists looked at images from space to see how fast Antarctica is turning green. Here's what they found
Parts of icy Antarctica are turning green with plant life at an alarming rate as the region is gripped by extreme heat events, according to new research, sparking concerns about the changing landscape on this vast continent.
DEVELOPING 2 dead after fire rips through historic building in Old Montreal
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building near Montreal's City Hall, sources told Noovo Info.
Yazidi woman captured by ISIS rescued in Gaza after more than a decade in captivity
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman has been rescued from Gaza where she had been held captive by Hamas for years after being trafficked by ISIS.
A 6-year-old girl was kidnapped in Arkansas in 1995. Almost 30 years later, a suspect was identified
Nearly 30 years after a six-year-old girl disappeared in Western Arkansas, authorities have identified a suspect in her abduction through DNA evidence.
Dolphins 'smile' at each other when they play and to avoid misunderstanding, study finds
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Pit bulls in B.C. pet mauling tested positive for meth, cocaine, says city
Three pit bulls involved in a deadly attack on another dog last month in Kamloops, B.C., tested positive for methamphetamine and cocaine, and the city is going to court to have them put down.
Tax rebate: Canadians with low to modest incomes to receive payment on Friday
Canadians who are eligible for a GST/HST tax credit can expect their final payment of the year on Friday.