coworking

Cafe Euphoria: A Trans- Worker Owned Community Space in Troy

July 21, 2021 By Corey Aldrich

I met up with the Cafe Euphoria team to hear about this exciting and groundbreaking space that is currently in development for downtown Troy, New York. Cafe Euphoria is a trans* worker owned and operated cafe / restaurant, curated thrift store, event and co-working space. CE’s aim is to cultivate a more gender-inclusive landscape in the Capital Region by encouraging folks to bring and nourish their whole selves.

I asked the Cafe Euphoria leadership team…

“Why is Cafe Euphoria important to you?”

Atsushi: General Manager and Co-Founder

“I’ve always been into creating community, and it was my thought, given the politics of the times, that the transgender community needed a safe space, and a place to gather and connect, like this one. I hope we succeed!”

Riley: IT Director and Co-Founder

“I can’t wait to open our space. I’m tired of cis people telling me how to express my gender. My coworker-owners and I are creating this as much for ourselves as we are for others.”

Tucker: Executive Chef

“Cafe Euphoria is a space where I can explore my craft and my identity. As someone who fell in love with food at a young age, it means the world to me that I can pursue this passion as my authentic self. Cafe Euphoria is the perfect place for me to prove myself and hopefully act as a role model for trans folks who want to work in the restaurant industry. I’m eager to put my skills to the test!”

Stevie: Kitchen Unit Manager

“I’ve thought for a long time that there should be safe spaces for queer and marginalized folk within the Capital Region that aren’t just bars. I’m excited to be providing that space served with tasty food!”

Robin: Development Director

“From the moment I heard about this project, I knew I had to be involved. In this moment of unparalleled visibility for the trans community — for good and ill — I can think of no worthier endeavor than creating a safe, affirming, joyful space for trans and gender non-conforming folx and our allies to find support, community, and solidarity (not to mention a cute outfit and a delicious meal!). I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of this venture.”

Ryah: Finance Director

“As a Capital Region native, I fully believe forming a community for transgender and gnc (gender nonconforming) individuals is needed. I want to help create a space where every individual can discover themselves while feeling comfortable and safe.”

Rio: Programs Coordinator and Marketing Director

“Cafe Euphoria is important to me because of its potential to cultivate local trans/gnc community and celebratory visibility. When folks are welcomed to show up fully in their gender expression, everyone is extended the opportunity to heal and grow.”

EDITORS NOTE: Opening FALL 2021.

Cafe Euphoria will have a table at our July 28^th event in Troy, you can register for the event here. Make sure to drop by their table to meet the team, sign up for the mailing list and give support.

Connect with Cafe Euphoria on social:
WEB: www.cafeeuphoria.org
FB & IG: @cafeeuphoria518

In the Heart of Cohoes: Harmony CoWorks

December 16, 2020 By upstatecreative

By: Lauren Halligan

The Neighborhood

Set at the edge of the downtown Cohoes Historic District, an area that’s experiencing a remarkable revitalization, Harmony CoWorks is a brand new coworking facility. Situated within walking distance of the majestic Cohoes Falls and nearby trails as well as the shops and restaurants of downtown Cohoes, “It’s a great, walkable area,” said Dion, who recommends checking out the new Cafe Monocle or local favorite sandwich shop Subs-ta-toot.

Additionally, just a few steps away is Cohoes Music Hall, one of the oldest still-operating music halls in the nation and a cultural treasure among the region. Entertainment is also right outside the door when the City of Cohoes hosts its Rock the Block free summer concert series.

The Space

The 3,500-square-foot coworking space is set in a former bank building that’s been fully renovated. iTech Valley Office Interiors has fully outfitted the place with on-trend, top quality furnishings that are both aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically designed. (Harmony CoWorks and Tech Valley Office Interiors are both owned by local native Rod Dion, and co-located at the Mohawk Street address.)

Harmony CoWorks offers inexpensive daily and monthly passes, along with dedicated desks and private offices. A kitchen space, meeting room and conference room are available for use as well. Amenities include high speed wifi, 24-hour access, card door entry, mail and address service, printer service, secure storage and a private, well-lit 50-car parking lot with security cameras.

Vibe & Community

The vibe at Harmony CoWorks is good for getting work done – which is one of the most important factors when choosing a coworking spot. With far fewer distractions than home and the motivation of being in a beautifully designed professional setting, this space is conducive to productivity. Whether you want to hunker down in solitude, have a constructive meeting, or be social with others, there’s a comfortable place for that at Harmony CoWorks.

In the future, Dion and the Harmony CoWorks team hope to host social events that will help establish and build a sense of community at this new small city coworking space.

The Location

Harmony CoWorks is conveniently located off of I-787 at 50 Mohawk St. in Cohoes, and a short walk to The Lofts at Harmony Mills, a residential community in the historic former Harmony Mills cotton mill complex. More information about Harmony CoWorks is available online at harmonycoworks.com or by calling (518) 874-1017. Connect with them on Facebook.

Check out last week’s coworking spotlight: Urban Co-Works in downtown Schenectady!

CapNY CoWorking Tour: Hone Coworks, Albany

August 13, 2020 By Maureen Sager

Co-working and monthly-lease office space is exploding in the Capital Region! Flexibility, socially-distant camaraderie, and services abound. Come on a sneak-peak tour of art-filled, high-tech Hone Coworks in Albany, and we’ll fill you in on all of our favorite perks.

Hone Coworks is located inside the wooded, shady Great Oaks office park in Albany. It’s close to Crossgates Mall and I-87, but it’s also near to the urban amenities — restaurants, museums, nightlife — of downtown Albany. AMPLE and easy parking is a big plus to this location.

Stylish, Decked-Out Shared Spaces

After entering through the very welcoming Lobby (seen in the photo above right), you’ll come upon the large, open Kitchen section (seen in photo to the right). The color palette is bright and sophisticated — orange, teal — and the furniture and vibe are modern and vibrant. AKA, I wish my place looked like this.

Hone Coworks is tech-ed out and touch-free throughout. You can make a custom cucumber-infused seltzer using an app! Reserve and unlock your conference rooms, make copies — all contact-free.

Hold on, I’m not done with the Kitchen deets, though. There’s Clif Bars and RxBars and fresh fruit! Microbrew coffee by Brewtus, a small batch specialty roaster in Delmar. And wait — there’s Oatly Creamer in the fridge! I know, I’m gushing, but (cue Julie Andrews) these are a few of my favorite things!

Tech-Friendly Workspaces

Now that’s we’ve covered the creamer, we’ll move on to the workspaces. Happily, you’ll find tech-friendly Meeting Rooms of all shapes, sizes and designs, which can be rented by the hour (members’ access is included in their monthly fees). There’s a hip / corporate vibe to these spots, and they’re more than able to handle six-feet-apart spacing.

Another luxe touch is the one-touch feature that turns your desk from a sitting to standing space, AND the Herman Miller office chairs that grace every workspace. Hmm, does a Henry Miller chair beat my sofa? Let me think. Yes, it does.

Artwork All Around

Floor-to-ceiling artwork and triptych by Samson Contampasis

But of all the things to love about Hone, my favorite is the artwork. The artwork that fills the halls and walls is a combination of permanent pieces by regional artists like Samson Contompasis and Lori Kochanski, as well as a rotating gallery wall curated in partnership with Albany Center Gallery.

Okay, and one last shout-out, because Hone Coworks Community Manager Sarah McDonnell set up a jar of Neutrogena make-up wipes for emergency touch-ups. “Masks really screw up your make-up,” she said. “We really try to think of everything you’ll need, and have it here.” Now that’s thinking of everything!

HOW TO FIND HONE COWORKS

Address: 300 Great Oaks Blvd, Suite 300, Albany, NY 12203

Website: https://honecoworks.com/

Call: 518-250-4855

Email: hello@honecoworks.com