Where we’ve been, and where we’re going
/Dearest Friends and Neighbors,
Happy Spring! It's been awhile since we've had events at Localgroup Studio and BRUNA Press. As we enter a new season, we are updating everyone on where we've been and where we're heading.
Where we went
As some of you know, the pandemic significantly changed the use of our space at 221 Prospect Street such that we had to close it to the general public in favor of the safety of our co-workers. This meant that we could no longer host or rent out the building for events, which we enjoyed organizing previously. Like many of you, we also had to retreat from a lot of social activities for the safety of loved ones who were/are immuno-compromised. Among these loved ones included two little ones who joined our family during the pandemic, one who was born at the end of 2020, and a second baby born last May. Needless to say, with their arrival, our lives have been joyous and full.
Between the pandemic and the kiddos, we have realized that our time and energy were not as expendable as they once were. Between managing the coworking space, running BRUNA Press, and handling the ongoing maintenance for the 221-227 Prospect building, we are no longer able to give any of these projects the attention they deserve. So, the building and our dreams of community building with and from it will have to be suspended in light of this realization.
Late last fall we listed 221-227 Prospect Street for sale and received a few offers, with one that we accepted, but at the last minute the buyer pulled out. Ordinarily, this might seem like bad news, but we were relieved in the end because the buyer was not the right fit. We firmly believe the right one is soon to show up. And, this is where we are asking for your help in getting the word out to find this person(s).
Where we are heading
Our plan was (and still is) to continue running the coworking business in half of the building, but to have someone else take over responsibility for owning the building as a whole, and with the new owner having the other half of the building to do with as they see fit.
To that end, over the past few months, we consolidated the coworking business into the North side of the building (the 227 Prospect side, which was formerly Barry’s Bail Bonds before the pandemic), and we’re very proud of the improvements we made to the North Studio to make it cozy, modern, and inviting. This means we have completely freed up the South side of the building (technically 221 Prospect), which is the side you are most probably familiar with from events at Localgroup and BRUNA.
This means the 2821 sqft South Studio is now available for lease! Please spread the word about this opportunity. You can see and share the link about the long-term rental listing on LoopNet. And, while we search for a long-term tenant, please note that the space is also available for meeting/event rentals again. If you are interested in a short-term event rental, you can find out more information on Craigslist.
Although we have taken the building off the market, we will plan to put it back on sometime in the spring. At the moment, we are also quietly entertaining offers and are open to provide owner financing to the right potential parties. If you know of anyone who would be interested in this scenario, please let us know.
Thanks so much for reading this long update. We hope that through our community network, we will find a like-minded partner for the next chapter in the evolution of the building.
With appreciation and affection,
Alan and Kristina, owners of Localgroup Studio