Red Hook gets its own business incubator, by George Fiala

Allison Reeves is an architect who has lived in Red Hook for almost 15 years. Earlier this year she began taking on projects at her home near Coffey Park. After a while she realized that she missed the discipline of working in an office. Taking matters into her own hands, she and her husband, artist Michael Prettyman, have just opened Shared Brooklyn, which they describe as “a communal office space for creative and freelance professionals.”

Shared Brooklyn occupies much of the second floor of 185 Van Dyke Street. The building itself is also occupied by Steve’s Key Lime Pie, on the first floor, and Uhuru Designs, who were forced to relocate from the Golten building when it was sold earlier this year. It overlooks Valentino Pier Park, offering a great view of the harbot and Statue of Liberty.

The building is owned by Robbins Cornell Box Company, who had been using it as a warehouse for their paper supply business. Brian Robbins, who did much of the the renovation work, has been able to consolidate his storage needs to other buildings, making the space available.

As a locally owned business, Shared Brooklyn has a family feel. There are a number of rental options, ranging in price from $225 to $900 per month. Rentals are made on a month to month basis, giving a new business or freelancer the option of working their way up the ladder from a communal table, to their own desk, and finally their own private office.

There are sixteen unique looking desks, four private offices, two phone booth areas, a conference room, kitchen and communal table. It has a unique and artsy feeling, due in large part to the work of Prettyman, who built much of the workspaces without using Home-Depot wood.

Rent includes utilities, use of the kitchen, a communal lounge, two private telephone areas and access to a conference room. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave.

There are four separate rental options. The least expensive option includes a workspace for ten days a month during normal business hours. For $900 one gets a private office, 24/7 access, 8 hours of conference room time and a discount for additional time in the conference room.

Probably the most popular option will be the $475 “Permanent Desk” option. This gives an aspiring professional full time use of a desk in an office environment. You can set up your computer and rocket your way to success – whether your field is art or science – while telling your family and friends that you are at your own office.

Shared Brooklyn celebrated their opening with an open house on Friday, November 19. A healthy spread of food was donated by Sandra and The Red Hook Winery, St. John of Fort Defiance, Monica and Leisah of Home/made and Erin of Grindhaus.

A favorite was St. Jean’s deviled eggs.

Among the guests were the first two renters, Tessa Wright, a graphic artist, and Ben Posell, and architect and educator, who will be both be moving in after Thanksgiving.
Reeves is a dog owner and plans to make Shared Brooklyn pet friendly.