NEWARK, NJ - A new coworking space in the Ironbound section of the city offers podcast rooms, privacy booths for phone calls and a rooftop terrace.

The modern offices are known as 3rd Space and are on the ground floor of the renovated Textile Lofts building at 142 Lafayette St., just a few blocks from Newark Penn Station. Textile Lofts were restored from a century-old garment factory and include 64 residential units.

“It’s affordable and it’s flexible,” said 3rd Space Community Manager Kenneth Miles, adding that entrepreneurs who may often work out of Starbucks would be able to utilize the space to conduct meetings in an office setting. “It’s more professional," he said.

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The facility had a soft opening recently and will be fully open in September, Miles said. It’s one of at least two other co-working spaces that have opened in the city recently: Launch Pad, located in the Hahne’s building, and Newark Foundry Workspaces, a converted 19th Century mansion on MLK Boulevard.

The space consists of private offices and desks that can be rented out for those who just need a dedicated spot to work. Private offices are accessible 24/7, which serves as the inspiration for 3rd Space’s name.

“It’s called 3rd Space because it’s the space in between,” Miles added. “It’s not home and it’s not like work. It’s based in the middle.”

The facility has conference rooms, an event space and 20 offices. "There are 48 open and dedicated desks, but privacy booths are available for phone conversations. One private parking spot is included in the price to rent an office room too."

3rd Space President Jennifer Donnolo chose Newark for the facility because there are a number of organizations working in the city to revitalize the area.





“The first time we came to Newark, we knew we had to be here,” said Donnolo. "There is a vibrancy here that hits you immediately, and we are happy and proud to be a part of the Newark community."

The location doesn’t feel like a traditional office with harsh fluorescent light bulbs or cubicles.

Original art created by students from Arts High School lines the walls and Great Notch Coffee, operated by Newark coffee roasters, is available on-site.

The open common areas are supposed to foster creative collaboration too. Exposed brick with steel from the building's 1920s structure was incorporated into the design by Group Projects. The space is flush with natural light since there are large openings in a long masonry wall that originally divided the layout.

“This allows natural light to penetrate deeper into the floor plan and provides circulation pathways between what was previously two separate spaces,” said Brett Quagliara, of Group Project. “This creates a bright and fluid environment for members and guests.”

Smart lockers also allow members to store belongings securely or send items to other members confidentially. Some of the lockers are refrigerated to keep food fresh until lunchtime.

For more information, visit www.3rdspacecowork.com.

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