This article is about office space and coworking spaces available for rent in Erie, PA.
Brick and mortar is a big investment for any business. So how do you start your business and find affordable office space? Is there coworking space in Erie? There is, and I’m going to share the places you should consider if you are looking for office space.
A lot of start-ups begin at the kitchen table or home office. When their start-up begins to gain traction, many entrepreneurs move to a coworking space. Many who work at coworking spaces like it so much, they keep their office there even when they open brick and mortar. Because as you will see, coworking is more than a desk and a swivel chair; it’s about community.
Coworking is short for collaborative working. More and more people today are choosing coworking spaces not just because of the fixtures like a desk or meeting room but for the innovative and collaborative environments, high speed Wi-Fi, and shared office equipment.
For many, it’s more than just the facility; they join for the community. Coworking spaces provide opportunities for socializing and networking among like-minded individuals. This can be good and bad. If you are disciplined and can work self-directed and independently, you’ll get your work done, using the collaborative resources when needed. If you tend to be more social and have trouble maintaining focus, be more cautious and have a plan for managing the social aspect of the coworking space. You may find you make good connections and have great conversations but at the end of today, how much productive work was actually accomplished? Know your working style and plan accordingly.
Radius Cowork
Coworking is becoming more popular and arrived in Erie a number of years ago with the creation of Radius Cowork. The mission of Radius is to foster an engaging culture, support organic business growth, and create an environment that ensures the success of their members.
Radius is on the 9th floor of the Renaissance Center at 10th and State Streets in Erie. Visit and you will see it’s not just about space, it’s about people as well. Radius encourages members to support one another, celebrate each other’s successes, and help others find solutions and professional connections. Radius is packed with creatives, entrepreneurs, and digital professionals who love what they do. Besides the 8-5 office vibe, you’ll find members hanging round in the evening being competitive over board games or grouping together on volunteer projects in the community.
Costs range from a $15 walk-in one day pass 8-5pm to $200 per month which provides your own desk, 24/7 access, 10 conference room hours per month, a business address, and a member of Radius slack.
Click here to learn more.
Gannon CBI Coworking Space
Did you know there is coworking space in the Gannon beehive? OK, what’s the beehive? Gannon University is part of the NW PA Innovation Beehive, located in CBI (Center for Business Ingenuity) at 9th and State in downtown Erie. There you will find not just space but expert consulting services. This space encourages collaboration among students, budding entrepreneurs, business faculty and consultants. The space is equipped with desks, internet, conference and meeting rooms. Cowork for a day, week or month at a time.
There is also space for larger group events such as a retreat, training session or other corporate event. Meeting rooms and classrooms are equipped with projectors, writable walls, and hold anywhere from 28 – 40 people. Additional options include a Business Information Systems Lab, equipped with 5 TV screens, desktop and laptop computers and teleconference capabilities. For more information, contact: Dr. Amy Doolan, doolan002@gannon.edu, 814-871-7771.
Click here to learn more.
Palace Business Center
Looking for professional and traditional office space in a quieter setting? The Palace Business Center at 1001 State Street, Erie has seven listings for private office and private meeting spaces with conference tables. It’s not so much a coworking space as much at it is on demand office space.
In addition to the office and meeting space there is a high-tech infrastructure, a Café with complimentary beverages, and a highly-skilled, friendly team including an IT Tech. Perfect place to give your pitch with the reassurance that someone has your back if there’s a problem with technology!
You can book space at Palace Business Center website or find them at Liquidspace, the largest, real time network for office space nationwide.
Click here to learn more.
Mosaic Erie
Another place in Erie for hourly short term space rentals for personal and professional use is Mosaic Erie at 3205 West 26th Street.
Are you a photographer without your own studio? Mosaic has a 460 sq. ft. photography studio equipped with lighting, backdrops and props. Rental also includes the use of a waiting room, private dressing room and bathroom.
Need a small meeting room with a comfy feel? Mosaic also has a 400 sq. ft. meeting room with Wi-Fi, a 49” TV and fireplace. The space can comfortably seat 15-20. Just off the main area is a small kitchenette and restrooms. If you are looking for office space on demand, Mosaic Erie also has a single office with waiting room for rent. Rentals start at $20/hr. and go up from there depending on the space and time.
Click here to learn more.
Thrive Therapy Space
I also want to mention Thrive Therapy Space, a co-working space for mental health professionals, located at 3910 Caughey Road. Thrive is the result of visionary founder, Penny Mechley-Porter. Penny is a CO.STARTER graduate who worked her plan and went from idea to brick and mortar in less than a year!
The HEART of the Thrive co-working space is the Gathering Space for therapists. Here, therapists work on their therapy notes, consult with and learn from each other. As we all need, the Gathering Space is a place that creates connections.
Thrive has a handful of offices that therapists can rent for a couple hours or up to 20+ hours a week. This gives them a flexible private practice without the hassle.
Click here to learn more.
Bastion Art Studios
If you are a creative, Bastion Art Studios is a membership based art studio, recording studio and art gallery located at 2016 Peach Street in Erie. Founder Bill Kern saw a need to provide affordable shared space, resources and tools. Artists of all formats can further their skills or learn new ones in a comfortable, distraction free environment. But its more than just space. The Bastion strives to be a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for the arts and creativity.
Click here to learn more.
Making sense of it all
If you are a start-up and looking for cheap office space or a coworking community in Erie, here are some recommendations:
Radius Cowork on the 9th floor of the Renaissance Center at 10th and State Streets.
Gannon CBI Coworking Space at 9th and State Streets.
Palace Business Center at 1001 State Street.
Mosaic Erie at 3205 West 26th Street.
Thrive Therapy Space at 3910 Caughey Road.
Bastion Art Studios at 2016 Peach Street.
Hope this list of office rental and coworking spaces here in Erie helped save you some time and helped you find space. For more information and tips, check out my articles written with you in mind, the small business owner. Or contact me with your specific questions; I’d love to help!