As Meaning of Workplace Adapts, 3rd Space Adapts

3rd Space, a modern, family-run work space in downtown Newark, is a COVID-19 success story, able to pivot quickly once the pandemic changed the lives of the workforce across the country. With many no longer commuting into their corporate offices but still needing a professional setting in which to do their work, 3rd Space was perfectly positioned to offer a safe environment and fill a growing niche.

Located on the ground floor of the renovated Textile Lofts building on Lafayette Street, a developing area on the border between Newark’s Downtown and Ironbound Districts and a short walk from Newark Penn Station and City Hall, 3rd Space offers private parking, private offices, divided workspaces, extra large meeting rooms and ultra-fast WIFI.

“As a family-run business with deep experience in real estate, we were able to see what needed to be done and do it quickly,” said Jennifer Donnolo, President of 3rd Space. “We also have developed meaningful ties to the community and have worked closely with the Mayor of Newark’s office to align ourselves closely with its small business initiatives.”

With safety in mind, 3rd Space has a state-of-the-art HVAC system which uses MERV 13 filters, one of the most robust and effective systems for trapping small particles, including viruses. Extra precautions throughout the work space like social distance markers, hand sanitizing stations, contactless door faucets and door handles, convex mirrors and increased deep cleanings have also been installed. Masks are mandated when indoors and meetings are limited to small groups. 3rd Space is located in a bright and airy first floor space, eliminating the need for elevators. Parking is provided to members for those wishing to commute door to door.

“I have personally seen an uptick in those needing a quiet and safe place to work but no longer heading into a traditional office,” said Kenneth Miles, 3rd Space Partner. “The response from the community has been very positive as we all try to navigate this new normal with how we work.”

3rd Space has always been poised to respond quickly to the needs of those who work there but also the community of Newark. From the outset of 3rd Space, which held its grand opening in 2019, one of the core values of the business was to nurture and develop a relationship with the Newark community. With this philosophy in mind, offices began to fill up as the company used the space to host community events such as a book signing with Cyntoia Brown-Long and a Q&A with “Pose” star and local celebrity, MJ Rodriguez and local high school students. Based on this success, 3rd Space is moving full speed ahead to open a second location in New Jersey.

The pandemic didn’t stop these initiatives or desire to help those in the community. In this spirit, 3rd Space reached out to the Pierre Toussaint Food Pantry in Newark to volunteer time and donate a check for $3,000 to help those in need. Those requiring assistance tripled almost overnight, according to Sister Linda Klaiss, who has been running the food pantry for the past 25 years.

“We care deeply about our business, those who work here, and our community and that shows,” said Donnolo. “We will continue to do everything possible to ensure the safety of those in our space while doing outreach to those who live here in new ways because of the pandemic, and we know that impacts the community as a whole.”