Beauty Shoppe opens co-working space in Lawrenceville
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There aren’t any cars at Arsenal Motors.
But one can be driven here.
The Butler Street building is the latest location for Beauty Shoppe, a Pittsburgh company that offers shared work spaces.
Beauty Shoppe tries to reinvigorate historic buildings to help in the revitalization of urban neighborhoods. There are three locations in Cleveland and one planned for Detroit this fall.
The Butler Street building in Lawrenceville opened earlier this month. It encompasses 30,000 square feet. The project is a joint venture with locals Q Development and Ernie Sota of Sota Construction as well as Desmone Architects, Studio Lithe, and Bones & All.
The space offers services, and programs for individuals, small businesses and companies seeking remote, flexible, workspace.
Q Development on the North Side is a real estate developer that specializes in historic properties in and around Pittsburgh said Rick Belloli, principal. He said this project was among the first to use historic tax credits.
The building was originally constructed by Ford Motor Co. in 1910 as a manufacturing space
“It’s about keeping the integrity of the building and leading by example where an existing building can be restored for modern usage,” Belloli said.
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Matthew Ciccone, CEO of Beauty Shoppe said the company likes to do projects connected to history.
“I am excited about the potential of this building,” he said.
Ciccone said he sees everything from one person looking for a work space a few days a week to a smaller company of say eight or nine employees who need to meet somewhere.
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“We are very passionate about being a gathering place for people,” he said. “And this is a natural gathering space.”
He said the space is a perfect fit for today’s ever-changing needs because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Morgan Stewart and Lexi Ribar, partners at Studio Lithe, based in East Liberty, which does graphic design, photography and interior design, handled all of the interior design work.
Ribar said the project was cohesive because everyone worked so well together. She said they focused on keeping the integrity of the history of the building by seeking out vintage pieces to complement the space. They researched the building and the area.
Stewart said there has been a lot of hype about this location and that she is excited to see it being utilized by Beauty Shoppe.
“We have had a lot of experience working with the team at Beauty Shoppe and we were able to see a true vision for the interior of this space,” said Stewart. “It’s not every day you get the opportunity to work with such wonderful partners on a project. Everything went smoothly. It was the ideal experience.”
Desmone Architects in Lawrenceville worked to renovate the existing automotive building into a co-working space. The design was inspired by the vision and culture of the Beauty Shoppe, said Abby Springs, marketing coordinator.
“Desmone recognizes the profound impact that space can have on the spirit, health and economic success of people and the neighborhoods they live in,” said Springs. “While repurposing the original infrastructure of the existing automotive building, the design team integrated custom wood walls for the offices which helped bring a sense of warmth into the existing concrete structure. Large window openings were included to provide an abundance of natural light.”
Anna Adams-Sarthou, owns strategic communications firm, A.S. Comms, and is working out of Arsenal Motors. She said the opening has been a welcome change of scenery after so many months of working from home.
“The social distancing measures Beauty Shoppe has in place here, coupled with the hotel-meets-cafe vibe, abundance of natural light and well-appointed furnishing, makes me feel like I can be part of a creative work community that is comfortable and safe,” she said. “I am thrilled to be able to work in such an environment every day.”
Arsenal Motors embodies local which includes a collaboration of local real estate, community groups, fabricators and designers, he said.
“This project was created as a long-term hub for Pittsburgh’s business community, and this level of early interest in Arsenal Motors during these uncertain times is a strong indicator of the trust in and enthusiasm for the Beauty Shoppe brand,” Ciccone said.
Membership pricing starts at $200 per month, $30 per day or private meeting space for $75 per hour.
The Beauty Shoppe is located at 3700 Butler St., Lawrenceville.
Arsenal Motors will host an open house on from 3-7 p.m. on Aug. 7 .