Is This Houston's First Step To Becoming A Significant Co-Working City?
Although we've got some great local offerings, Houston is undeniably behind other major metros in forming a base of nationally recognized co-working space. But finally, the process has begun. In an exclusive deal with Cameron Management, Serendipity Labs will add 10 Houston-area locations to its network of over 100 offices.
The first location of 10 will open in Downtown's historic Esperson by the end of 2016. The Serendipity Labs office will be split into 9k SF on street level with connections from both the street and a pedestrian tunnel, plus 25k SF on another floor. Members will have access to all Serendipity Labs locations across the country and can make workspace and meeting room reservations via website or mobile app. Serendipity Labs is one of the fastest growing co-working networks in the country with over 100 locations in its development pipeline nationwide.
Serendipity Labs isn't your typical co-working provider. You won't find many hoodies or ping-pong tables. The space is designed to be elegant and sophisticated. Serendipity Labs CEO John Arenas says the firm targets those who've made progress in their careers.
Entry-level packages are expected to be around $200 for use of the informal space and conference room access. Private offices could run as high as $600.
Beyond the design aesthetic, Serendipity Labs is a different take on co-working than giants like WeWork. The business is using a franchise model to expand rapidly throughout the US since being founded in 2013. Each franchiser operates three to five labs in its market. (Cameron's going the extra mile with its 10-location agreement.) As part of the service-driven business model, Serendipity Labs targets hospitality operators and companies.
Serendipity's straight-forward, corporate-focused space will likely fit in well with Houston's more conservative office environments. Serendipity Labs will still have have plenty of meet-ups and seminars, just don't expect to have free-beer Fridays or free trade-sourced micro-roasted coffee.
