Coworking is what I would like to call an unpredictable phenomenon for Philadelphia. The concept is simple and logical, yet unbelievably creative. I’m just not sure where it’s going, at this point, in the City of Brotherly Love.

Personally, I am a big fan of coworking and I believe that Philadelphia can support a whole lot of it; especially with our creative class on the rise, and our ever evolving tech scene (which is highly conducive to the coworking environment).

I wrote an in-depth post on Indy Hall back in 2012, and I even worked at a coworking space myself for a few months. Needless to say, I think the concept works and I’m a big fan!

The only issue I see with coworking, in general (as there are many different spots/types in Philadelphia), is that I’m not sure when the supply will exceed the demand. How many coworking spaces should Philadelphia have? How many coworking spaces can Philadelphia support? How many coworking spaces does Philadelphia need?

The concept is new (to our area, at least) and very cool, but it’s moving at the speed of light here in Philadelphia. Indy Hall, Culture Works, 3rd Ward, Benjamin’s Desk, and Venturef0rth are just a few worth mentioning. All of these have been formed within the last 5 years or so, with Indy Hall being the Philly pioneer, so it’s hard to say who’s in it for the long-term.

But enough about coworking in general, let’s talk about The Transfer Station.

I think this place would work very well in Manayunk. Not only for some of the reasons mentioned in this article (i.e. central location to both KOP and Center City, high/local creative class population, close to highways, trains, and buses, etc.), but also because I feel that there is an actual need for it in Northwest Philadelphia.

Main Street in Manayunk is the perfect spot for The Transfer Station. The founders of this new/potential space are looking to have a few different elements: 1) Affordable 1st floor retail space (anything from gallery wall space, to a full-sized store), 2) 2nd floor coworking space, and 3) 3rd floor event space. Seeing that Manayunk is currently lacking in all 3 of those areas, I really think it fills a need.

So if you have the urge/need to cowork in NW Philadelphia, or would just like to help support the project (because if you do not come, they will not build it), please show that you’re on board with Simon and Adam Rogers and reach out to them! The more support they get, the faster the project will become a reality.

More news to come on THEXFR. In the meantime, here a few helpful links:

The Transfer Station – Website

Proposed coworking space near Main Street Manayunk – Technically Philly

Manayunk to get a new coworking space – Philadelphia Magazine