JJ Sheffer, the site manager for CoWork155, talks about the progress at the membership-based shared workspace Wednesday at 155 W. Market St. in York City. (Bill Kalina photo)
JJ Sheffer has faced a share of distractions while working from her Manchester Township home during the last three years.
"The cat walks across the keyboard while I'm typing something, and I start thinking about all the things that need done around the house," she said.
Though at home she has enjoyed the freedom of operating her event planning business, New Muse Entertainment, Sheffer has missed the socialization and camaraderie found in an office.
That will change next month when she moves into CoWork155.
The space: CoWork155 is a membership-based workspace for entrepreneurs, telecommuters, freelancers, sales executives and others who work from home.
The new office will celebrate its
The entrance to CoWork155 is nestled between the Golden Plough Tavern and the Downtown York Visitors Information Center. (Bill Kalina photo)
grand opening from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, June 7, at 155 W. Market St.
Sheffer will serve as site manager for the 4,000-square-foot facility.
CoWork155 has 10 members so far, and she expects that number to grow to 40 by the end of the year.
"It's a great space and has everything you'd want in an office," she said.
Based on the second floor of the old Sears, Roebuck and Co. building downtown, CoWork155 is the upstairs neighbor of the Downtown York Visitors Information Center.
Amenities: Inside the office is access to Wi-Fi, printing, copying, faxing, a large conference room, small conference room, storage space, kitchen area and more. Members can also receive mail there.
The cost varies by the level of membership for the site.
For example, a full-time membership costs $220 a month and gives the member access to the office from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.
A member who wants a private office and indoor parking may pay a little more.
For $80 a month, a member will have access to the office four days per month, or one day a week.
A part-time member will pay $120 to use the space eight days every month.
Special pricing will be released during the grand opening, Sheffer said. Through August, a full-time member will pay $100 a month.
"We're hoping to get more people in for a little less. After a trial period, they'll pay the regular rates," she said.
The model: The concept was modeled after The Candy Factory, a 60-member co-working site in Lancaster.
The Candy Factory and CoWork155 belong to the visa program, which operates as an international agreement between co-working spaces.
"If our York members are in Lancaster for the day, they can work at The Candy Factory," Sheffer said. "Members can meet clients in professional business settings with no geographic boundaries."
Even if someone isn't a member, that person can use CoWork155 for $24 a day, she said.
Those who have already signed up as members include professional photographers, freelance writers, web designers, graphic artists, a video production company and Sheffer's event planning firm.
Adam Nugent, a founding member of CoWork155 and owner of the Townie Brand web design firm, likes how the space fits into downtown York's renaissance.
"A bunch of tough-minded people spent a lot of years rebuilding a downtown that I grew up avoiding," he said. "They built an atmosphere where all kinds of folks come together to get things done and enjoy each other's company. I'll sign up for that every time."
For more information or to become a member, visit www.cowork155.com.
-- Candy Woodall can also be reached at cwoodall@yorkdispatch.com.
