CBRE Is Considering 3 World Trade Center For Its First Coworking Location In NYC

The world's biggest brokerage could open the first New York City branch of its coworking arm at one of its highest-profile leasing assignments.

The company is thinking of leasing 100K SF at 3 World Trade Center for the offering, known as Hana, Crain’s New York Business reports. The space in the building would span two floors. The deal isn’t secured and other possible locations are in the mix, according to the publication.

"I can't comment on the conversations we're having," a spokeswoman for Hana told Crain’s. "We're having a variety of conversations across the globe with a focus on the U.S. and the U.K. Other than the two we have announced, I don't have any further specifics. But we're definitely intrigued and excited about the interest we have received.”

CBRE launched Hana in October, in effort to capitalize on the exploding global coworking market. Hana does not lease space directly, but works with property owners to design and operate flexible offices space. It also signed revenue and profit-sharing agreements with landlords.

There are two locations announced so far — a 67K SF space in Dallas and a 60K SF location in Irvine, California.

CBRE’s plans for Hana were met with mixed response from the coworking community. The head of Knotel, Amol Sarva, said he would no longer work with CBRE, as did Bond Collective. Coworking giant WeWork, however, said it would not change anything for the company.

CBRE's leasing team, led by Tri-State CEO Mary Ann Tighe, represents the owner of 3 World Trade Center, Silverstein Properties, in its efforts to lease up the building. Silverstein has its own coworking arm, Silver Suites, which occupies a floor in 7 World Trade Center.