C&K Properties and =SPACE have partnered to launch Public SPACE, a new technology-oriented co-working area within 2 Gateway Center in Newark. — Courtesy: C&K Properties
By Joshua Burd
The owner of 2 Gateway Center in Newark has partnered with one of its tenants to open a new co-working space dedicated to digital creative and other tech-minded startups.
C&K Properties and =SPACE, or Equal Space, on Thursday announced the launch of what they call Public SPACE, which is open to the public and meant to showcase technological innovations in the city. The entrepreneurial-focused setting is meant to be collaborative and interactive, hosting programs such as lectures, roundtables, live demonstrations and workshops.
It is the latest addition to 2 Gateway that is outside the mold of the traditional office or retail tenant. C&K has brought in other nontraditional users in recent years to help reposition the 800,000-square-foot office tower in downtown Newark, while engaging the roughly 10,000 pedestrians passing through its concourse every day.
“=SPACE continues to be a major advocate for Newark’s innovators and entrepreneurs by connecting startups to others in the community through its events,” said Ben Korman senior partner of C&K Properties. “Public SPACE not only provides a place where all corners of the local tech scene can collaborate, but also a place where members of the public can get a glimpse into the newest products and trends in the market.”
While Public SPACE will require memberships for ongoing co-working activities, it will be open to the public for events, C&K said in a news release. Passersby can also stop in and learn about the Newark technology scene.
The building’s original co-working facility, =SPACE Downtown, opened last year in the concourse of the building. The addition of Public SPACE represents an expansion for the operator, which is seeking to capitalize on 2 Gateway’s transportation access and offer affordable, technology-driven workspaces.
Public SPACE will also feature an “innovation wall,” a display for product presentations and learning sessions, featuring upcoming programming and other information, the news release said.
To start the summer, programming will include a series of fireside chats, live podcast recordings and guest speakers designed to provide Newark’s tech community with additional skills, inspiration and new industry connections.
“We’re extremely excited to be expanding our presence in 2 Gateway as we continue to expand the programs of =SPACE,” said William Medina, founder of =SPACE. “Newark is experiencing a tech revolution, and Public SPACE creates an inspiring environment to nurture, grow and connect the tech community throughout the region. It is essential to our ecosystem that we maintain maximum visibility; Public SPACE will do just that.”