You can still whistle while you work, but if you’re like many, you’re no longer doing so from a fluorescent-lit cubicle in a corporate office.
By Robin Jovanovich
You can still whistle while you work, but if you’re like many, you’re no longer doing so from a fluorescent-lit cubicle in a corporate office. More and more — perhaps as many as 30% of professional workers — work from home, the road, the library, or a coffee shop with Wi-Fi.
For those looking for a workplace to call their own, whether full time or for the occasional meeting, seminar or event, John Arenas has a better idea. Become a member of Serendipity Labs, which is set to open in October in the old Biltmore car dealership on the corner of Theodore Fremd and Locust avenues.
At Serendipity, a members-only workplace, one can find a number of options. The privileged area is designed for 24/7 members. There is also an ideation studio, a work bar, a retreat area in which to take phone calls, a reception area, much like a hotel lobby, software technology program in Cloud, and a self-service lab cafe. You’ll need a key card to get in the building and can make space reservations online.
“We’re more a W Hotel-brand,” says CEO Arenas, a civil engineer who has been in the workspace business for 20 years. “We’re service-oriented and offer attractive, state-of-the-art work spaces.” He adds, “The layout is open plan because people are social animals.”
His partner in design is Steelcase, a global leader in innovative office furnishings. AI STUDIO is the design architect. Rex Gedney of Crozier Gedney Architects on Elm Place is the local architect.
Arenas, who lives and works in Rye, is happy to be repurposing the long- vacant car dealership. “Don’t worry, the clock will stay!” And while the building is being totally renovated, he’s keeping the high ceilings. He’s adding a lot of landscaping and a patio in the back. There will be 34 parking spots.
Membership at the walk-in workplace ranges from “24/7” to “not tethered” (individual monthly) to “mobile” (five visits a month).
“There is a co-working movement afoot,” says Arenas. “Serendipity is a collaborative for grown-ups that’s convenient and as flexible as you need it to be. And it’s located at an entry to Rye.”
The light-filled space is ideal for events. “You can create your own and have the food brought in,” notes Arenas.
Serendipity has a franchise partner program. “This will be a company-owned location, a model for franchise. A hub is set to open in Grand Central.”
Serendipity Labs is the office of the future, not the one in “Dilbert” or “The Office”. Their logo is Inspiration at Work.
