Through coworking and collaboration, successful start-up blossoms in Downtown Arlington

It’s less than a week before the re-opening of CenterSpace, and co-owner Brian Jones is optimistic about the future. After all, it was only eight months ago when he and Chris Tracey partnered and opened the original location of their co-working enterprise in a 500 square-foot room adjacent to Potager’s Other Stuff on Mesquite in Downtown Arlington.

“When we opened CenterSpace in January 2017, our goal was to be in the black in two years,” said Brian, “but after just a few months, we’d met that goal.”

Kick-starting CenterSpace

It all began when Brian, whose full-time gig as an IT wiz allows him to work from home, attended Dallas Startup Week in 2015. He was impressed by the lively, start-up community in Dallas which is anchored in part by coworking spaces like The Grove and Common Desk.

Not long after that, Brian met fellow telecommuter Chris Tracey at a Startup Arlington Open Coffee Club, which at the time was held at Potager’s Other Stuff. Brian and Chris realized that they had something else in common: they needed to get out of the house to get work done.

Making the move

Shortly after launching CenterSpace, the partners began getting constructive feedback from current and potential members about their long-term business needs. “People really liked our concept,” Brian said, “but needed features like a private office or conference room that our original space didn’t have.”

To capitalize on those unmet needs, Brian and Chris quickly identified an available property only a few blocks away at 609 E. Main Street. When you meet the needs of the market, the market responds, so several members have already committed to private offices within the new CenterSpace location, including Cadmus Dental, Hula Networks, Toucan Coffee and Gym Doll athletic apparel, plus an investment company, a creative services shop and a commercial realtor.

Membership has its privileges

When CenterSpace re-opens this Friday, September 1, members will immediately notice its spaciousness and expanded features (we also love the nod to UT Arlington in the interior color scheme). CenterSpace now boasts a 2700 square-foot floor plan and member benefits including shared and dedicated desks, a private conference room, phone booth, 24-hour member access, business-class internet, mail service, full kitchen plus unlimited coffee, soda, beer and more, all packaged into a well-designed and energetic workspace.

Main St. is the new main street

In addition to a great vibe inside CenterSpace, the new neighborhood of this coworking enterprise is brimming with potential. “Mavericks Sports Grill is right next door, and just up the street Urban Alchemy Coffee + Wine Bar will be opening later this year,” Brian said. “Next to Urban Alchemy, there are plans are in the works for Lester’s and possibly the Live Oak. Main Street is becoming the next hip, happening area within Downtown Arlington, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

Join today and save

If you’re interested in purchasing a membership to CenterSpace, take advantage of the move-in special by signing up before Sept. 1. Want to get a sneak peek this week? Call Brian at (817) 642-7395 and he’ll meet you there.

The official grand opening event will take place later this fall.

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About Downtown Arlington

An official State of Texas Cultural District, Downtown Arlington, Texas blends a unique mix of activities, sights, tastes and sounds that attract visitors and locals alike. Within its less than a two-mile radius, Downtown is home to a top tier public research university, prolific fine and performing artists and arts institutions, live entertainment, exciting NCAA and professional athletics, one-of-a-kind dining and retail, and a supportive business climate. Downtown Arlington brings together a plethora of cultures and inspirations with a character all its own.