A new co-working space that opened in the Ironbound section of Newark in the spring has drawn a diverse array of clients.
Topology, a real estate and planning firm, opened the re:SOLVE co-work space in May at 60 Union Street, a three-block walk from Newark Penn Station. The company began leasing the first floor of the historic Dietze Building last year and presently uses part of the space for its own offices. It upgraded the rest of the floor this year for co-working purposes.
“The mission of the space is to increase collaboration between like-minded companies, and facilitate Newark-based startups,” said Topology spokesman Devin Healey.
Topology CEO Phil Abramson and COO Annie Hindenlang welcomed their first tenant in June — Boxcar, a two-year-old company “focused on taking the stress out of the daily commute” by providing an app that helps commuters reserve parking spaces, and by offering luxury bus service to Manhattan from town centers in New Jersey (presently Chatham, Summit, Westfield, Madison, and Cranford).
Re:SOLVE welcomed their second tenant in July, the Regional Plan Association (RPA), a nearly 100-year-old non-profit civic organization that attempts to improve the quality of life in the New York metro area by researching and creating plans involving transportation, land use, housing, good governance, and the environment. They advise cities, communities, and public agencies.
An associate professor of sociology at Hunter College, Mike Owen Benediktsson, also rents out a desk at the firm.
“In launching the re:SOLVE Workshop, Topology is betting that concentrating like-minded entrepreneurs will lead to collaboration and information sharing that breaks down barriers between disciplines,” noted Healey.
“This collaboration will provide solutions to resolve even the most complicated problems facing our communities. Because of this, Topology is selectively targeting partners whose missions complement, expand, or enhance each tenant’s final product.”
The 5,000-square-foot space offers meeting rooms, a stocked kitchen, a shower, a game room, an espresso machine, and collaborative working spaces.
“We are still making investments and upgrades at the request of and for our employees and tenants,” said COO Annie Hindenlang. “Having to use the co-working space you’re managing encourages a really high quality and attentive approach.”
The space also hosts happy hours, working lunches, and dinners.
Hindenlang said her firm jumped at the chance to create the co-work space at the end of last year because, “As urban planners, we are constantly searching for the next best practice to improve the daily lives of the communities we serve. We believe collaboration with and exposure to new ideas is a must to keep growing. We wanted to curate the right tenants to foster that environment and provide additional beautiful office spaces near the train station.”
She said Newark is an ideal fit.
“We’ve always been a Newark firm,” she said. “We love the access our location provides us to the entire state for commuting purposes. We wanted to be in an urban environment that is exciting and inspiring. We believe Newark has led many important practices, policies and grassroots efforts that have guided cities not only around the state, but around the country.”
