BOSTON– Workbar Back Bay, located at 399 Boylston Street in Boston, has officially opened. Representing a new model for wellness-focused coworking spaces, Workbar Back Bay is designed to meet the exacting WELL Building standard, the company said in a statement.
“Everything from lighting, air ventilation and temperature controls, to snack offerings, is designed to optimize the health and wellbeing of the coworking members,” the statement said.
The 12,000 square foot space can accommodate up to 300 members and features Workbar’s signature “neighborhoods” designed to meet the needs of different work styles.
Among the companies and solopreneurs working from this new location is the Techstars Autonomous Accelerator, a partnership with the U.S. Air Force that gives the military service access to emerging technologies. Ten startups from around the country have been selected to participate in the accelerator, which is primarily focused on anti-drone technologies.
“We are delighted to be the anchor tenant for Workbar’s eighth location,” said Warren Katz, managing director of the Techstars Autonomous Accelerator. “The space is beautiful, location outstanding, and layout highly conducive to Techstars’ culture and program.”
“Designing spaces that make our members healthy, happy and productive is something we strive to do with each new location,” said Bill Jacobson, founder and CEO of Workbar. “When I learned about the WELL standard and its science-based approach to designing and operating spaces that provide well-being, I wanted to try to achieve the standard at Workbar. We were happy to learn that many of the elements were already incorporated into our design. Going the extra distance to meet the emerging WELL standard at our new Back Bay location has produced a mentally and physically enjoyable place to work, while helping guide the design of all future Workbar locations.”
In partnership with Analogue Studio, Osram, and Equity Office, Workbar Back Bay incorporates wellness features into seven concepts: air, mind, water, nourishment, light, fitness, and comfort. Workbar Back Bay’s layout offers a functional neighborhood-style open plan design, ten private offices, ten phone rooms, nine conference rooms, a Café, multiple breakout meeting spaces, a podcast recording room, and free access to the location’s gym.
The space’s features also include:
• Cutting-Edge Smart-Lighting Systems
• WELL-managed energy efficiency and water conservation
• Smart heating and cooling sensors that adjust room temperatures based upon the number of occupants in the room and an advanced underfloor air system
• Ultra-modern construction pollution management systems
• Water filtration system.
Workbar is Boston’s original coworking space, with eight locations throughout Greater Boston, including South Station, Cambridge, Somerville, Danvers, Norwood, Brighton, and Arlingtonand partnerships with 12 more coworking sites across the state. The network of shared workspaces offers a “hub-and-spoke” system for people whose work takes them all over the region.
