Gathering at the W@tercooler Makes Business Sense

Stopping by the watercooler for gossip is almost a thing of the past now that so many people are working from home or remotely.

But a new business coming to Tarrytown aims at customizing the office space of old to cater to the increasingly dispersed workforce. 

W@tercooler, a start-up by local resident Jenifer Ross, capitalizes on the new work landscape by providing all the amenities of an office, without the hassle of a boss looking over your shoulder.

"I want it to be a resource," Ross said. "It will serve as an incubator to help grow businesses that might not have the support or resources to gain a foothold."

W@tercooler will provide an all-in-one office space solution for freelancers, remote workers, independent businesses and entrepreneurs in town and in the region. From customizable office areas to a lounge and, of course, a watercooler –the shared workspace is designed for individuals looking to grow their businesses and professions. 

"It's about having the right environment to work at your best," Ross said. "Sometimes having four walls is extremely important. It can have an impact on your work or your ability to focus, in the sense that while one room can inspire, another can leave you stagnant."

Ross said W@tercooler will be conducive to creativity by providing a relaxed, open atmosphere.

The concept of a shared work space is nothing new. The idea has exploded in urban centers where office space is costly. Businesses like Green Spaces and In Good Company have successfully established themselves. Similar businesses have also in Westchester County. 

But Ross believes she has a keen insight into what local individuals and entrepreneurs need to make W@atercooler succeed. 

"In larger cities it is a different animal," she said. "Here it will be more personal. It's that small town dynamic of utilizing each others businesses to keep businesses downtown."

The space will achieve its goal by provided a host of amenities, from locally made food and roasted coffee, to discount services for notary work, law consultations and web development professionals.

The space, located at 21 North Broadway, contains a number of individual office and workspace areas, a conference room, secure cubicles, private phone areas, late-night access, and eventually, intern services provided in conjunction with the local school district. 

"It works with your flow – what your needs are, and you can have it when you need it," Ross said. 

It is also open for all kinds of members, whether you want to rent a space full-time, or pop in for a few hours to finish some design work. W@tercooler's pricing tiers make it possible to start out small and grow into larger spaces.

While the business won't officially open until June (an open house/construction party is scheduled for April 15), Ross said there has already been interested parties signing on for permanent spaces at W@tercooler. From her perspective, that already makes business a success and an important economic-growth resource in the community. 

"These are people and businesses that will be based here and will develop here and they'll stay here," she said. 

You can find out more about W@tercooler, pricing and how to join at http://www.watercoolerhub.com/