Even if you just rent a desk in this new co-working space, the 1 PPG Place address carries cache. Philip Johnson’s sparkling, glass-walled design makes Industrious one of Downtown’s most distinctive office spaces.
Headquartered in Brooklyn, N.Y., Industrious was started in 2013 by Jamie Hodari and Justin Stewart, two friends who grew up near each other in Michigan. Mr. Stewart worked in real estate in an executive suite. Mr. Hodari was the chief executive officer of a non-profit housed in a co-working space. Industrious has co-working spaces in 17 U.S. cities, from Los Angeles to New York City to Atlanta.
Until this one officially opened May 1, only Heinz executives had enjoyed the spectacular view from PPG’s 31st floor. The carpet they once trod has been removed, exposing the concrete floor, which has been sealed. These days, entrepreneurs and techies walk and work in a place the Heinz execs would hardly recognize.
Just off the elevator is a common area with two wooden, library-style tables lit by whimsical, mushroom-shaped lamps. Nearby is a minimalist mural of dotted lines created by local artist Wade Kramm.
Each day, the kitchen and long cafe bar offer Commonplace Coffee, pastries from La Gourmandine, homemade bagels from the Bluebird Cafe and fresh fruit. Behind the breakfast bar is a white Carrara glass backsplash, a sink and coolers stocked with soda and La Croix sparkling water.
A few steps away from the common area is a lounge with sofas and chairs made by Gubi and Design Within Reach. Here, visitors and office workers enjoy spectacular views of the city’s bridges, riverfronts and stadiums, as well as storms and sunsets. If you need another diversion, there is a chess set and playing cards.
At the edge of the common area are two restaurant booths where tenants can eat and work on laptops. Beyond the booths are two stainless-steel refrigerators and two microwaves. Glass covers shield the food while it heats.
For meetings, there are two conference rooms with ergonomic Herman Miller chairs, television screens and white boards; one of these spaces seats eight people while the other holds 10. A curtain covers the glass wall for privacy. A private room for nursing mothers includes a comfortable chair, end table, sink and refrigerator to store milk.
Gordon Robertson, founder of Hullabaloo Agency, moved in earlier this year when wires still dangled from the ceiling. He added a warm blue rug to his 10- by- 10-foot office, which features a custom wood desk and Herman Miller chair. He likes the flexibility of a month-to-month lease.
“I could get in without a lot of overhead and a lot of hassle.”
At least once an hour, “I need to pace,” he said. With 24,000 square feet of space and several long corridors, he has plenty of room.
The cost for an office with one or two desks ranges from $595-$1,115 per month while an office with three desks ranges from $1,100-$1,640. An office with up to four desks starts at $1,495 and one with up to eight desks costs $4,360. Prices include a certain number of conference room hours.
The largest office — with eight desks and chairs — offers a view that encompasses Highmark Stadium on the South Side, Heinz Field and PNC Park on the North Shore and the Point at the confluence of the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio rivers.
Glass frames most of the office walls. One room has eight desks, ideal for people who want to rent a chair, desk and filing cabinet while sharing a room with seven other people. Rectangular felt panels are stretched between the desks to create a teensy bit of privacy.
If you need to hold a private conversation, there are five sound-proofed phone booths available on a first come, first served basis.
Industrious community manager Anna Bixler, who previously planned special events at PPG Paints Arena, said special events are held for tenants on Cinco de Mayo, Valentine’s Day and other holidays. Gesturing toward the cafe bar, she said wine and cheese events will be held there after work.
An Industrious launch party will be held from 4-7 p.m. May 24. To RSVP, email Ms. Bixler by May 23 at abixler@industriousoffice.com.
Marylynne Pitz: mpitz!@post-gazette.com, 412-263-1648 or on Twitter: @mpitzpg.
First Published: May 12, 2017, 4:00 a.m.