'FLX Works' to offer shared workspace

WATKINS GLEN--Schuyler County is ready to join communities across the country that meet 21st-century employee and entrepreneurial needs. A new space to help that happen, FLX Works, expects to open in early 2023.
Located on the second floor of the building at the corner of Franklin and Third (216 N. Franklin St., Watkins Glen), above the Watkins Glen Area Chamber of Commerce, FLX Works will be on par with some of the best co-working spaces in the country, according to Judy McKinney-Cherry, executive director the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED).
Benchmarking and planning began in 2015, and the effort was initially spearheaded by Kristin Van Horn, director of planning, Schuyler County, with support from the FLX Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC). In 2017, plans to develop a co-working space in conjunction with retail space, an incubator kitchen, and apartments were included in the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. These plans were shelved at the time, due to lack of funding.
The CDC sought other funding sources and has moved forward with the following financial contributions. Schuyler County has contributed $50,000; funds that were originally earmarked for incubator kitchen equipment have been repurposed (approximately $30,000); a DRI grant funded with New York state support and held by Jim Guild, the building owner, has been increased to include necessary enhancements for the co-working space (approximately $130,000); SCOPED contributed approximately $75,000; and CDC is funding the rest (approximately $15,000). In total, launching FLX Works is expected to cost approximately $300,000. Today, Ben Stamp, who is the chairperson of the CDC, is leading the initiative to develop and launch FLX Works.
"In addition to support from New York state and many others, one of the pivotal players in realizing FLX Works is Jim Guild," said McKinney-Cherry. "His graciousness and generosity have made a co-working space in Schuyler County possible."
Guild, who owns Famous Brands and Ben and Jerry's, has long wanted to see the second floor of this building put to good use.
"This is a perfect use for that space," said Guild. "Our community needs office space. This location is centrally located, with easy access to parking. The idea of co-working is a good fit for our community. We are collaborative and community-minded. Shared working space makes sense in Schuyler County."
Although the CDC is still finalizing policies, procedures, and operations, some details have been established: renters will access the space using a private entrance on Franklin Street. Those who need accessible access may use an elevator, which will be reserved only for people with accessibility needs. Renters will be able to choose from various lengths of stay and can use FLX Works' address to receive mail. The co-working space will have three offices, with three desks each, and a large conference room. SCOPED is expected to manage the operation.
"This will improve the economic vitality of Schuyler County," said McKinney-Cherry. "We know we have people who want to start businesses and need affordable office space. This is a direct response to an identified market need."