Across the U.S., coworking spaces are springing up in the most unexpected places. Picture a former tire shop filled with entrepreneurs, a historic library transformed into a startup hub, or a farmhouse where freelancers gather with their laptops. Even a church has found new life as a workspace. These once-forgotten buildings are getting a fresh start, where old-world charm meets modern-day hustle. Here are a few standout examples:
- The Merchant – Columbus, Ohio
In the heart of Olde Towne East, The Merchant brings a flexible workspace option to Columbus, Ohio. Housed in a historic, 1903 brick building at 1223 E. Main St., this coworking space spans three floors and 7,300 square feet, offering private offices, communal work areas, conference rooms and a spacious outdoor courtyard.
From the street, the vintage signage might make you double-check your grocery list as it still carries the feel of an old-time merchant stand — because it once was! Originally a key part of the neighborhood’s commercial life, the building now offers a place where professionals can collaborate while still embracing its historic character.
- FatPipe ABQ – Albuquerque, N. M.
Located in downtown Albuquerque, FatPipe ABQ has turned the historic library of Albuquerque High School into a vibrant coworking space. From the outside, its classic architecture sets it apart from the usual office buildings. But, step inside and you’ll find a mix of old and new, where vintage details meet the needs of today’s remote workers and entrepreneurs.
Here, high-speed internet, private offices, and open workspaces create an ideal setting for focus and creativity. Need a break? Grab a coffee, print some documents or curl up with a book in a cozy corner. Additionally, if you’re looking to network, the weekly 1 Million Cups event brings local business minds together to share ideas and support each other.
- Switchyards Building – Atlanta
Built in 1928 and once home to the Consolidated Tire Store, this building at 151 Ted Turner Drive NW has undergone a dramatic transformation. Now the flagship location for Switchyards — an exclusive, members-only coworking space — it spans 19,000 square feet of open workspaces, private offices and meeting rooms.
Today, the space maintains its industrial aesthetic by honoring its past while also providing an inspiring setting for creative professionals. At the same time, with a distinctively artistic atmosphere, it’s a hub where members can thrive as they’re surrounded by a piece of Atlanta’s history.
- James Morrow House – Newark, Del.
At 1130 Ogletown Road, the James Morrow House has been given new purpose as PLY Coworking Spaces. That said, this 1860s farmhouse still carries the charm of its agricultural roots with its gambrel roof and raised basement intact.
Recognized for its historical significance, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places more than 40 years ago. Then, in 2008, after standing vacant for several years, the house was moved approximately 300 feet westward to make way for new development. Now, it’s a cozy, yet functional workspace for freelancers, remote workers and small business owners looking for something beyond the standard office setup.
- Katy Building – Dallas
At 701 Commerce St., the Katy Building has a long history in Dallas. Originally built between 1912 and 1914, it served as headquarters for the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, better known as the “Katy.”
A century later in 2014, the building was repurposed into a modern coworking space by Novel Coworking (now Expansive). Today, it offers flexible offices, spacious common areas, and meeting rooms, as well as perks like free coffee, tea and water. As such, it’s a prime example of how historic buildings can evolve without losing their original character.
- Rivian – San Francisco
Rivian has breathed new life into a 1920s auto body shop in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley. Located at 340 Fell St., this flagship space has preserved the original factory windows and exposed brick while simultaneously incorporating sleek modern design elements.
This particular space is primarily a showroom for Rivian’s electric vehicles and is designed to highlight innovation and sustainability. Beyond that, it also functions as a coworking hub, featuring open layouts, custom furniture and artwork from local artists to foster a community-centered atmosphere. Meanwhile, with bike-friendly facilities and an on-site express service center, it honors the building’s automotive legacy while driving forward a greener future.
- The CO-OP at Shoal Creek – Pleasant Valley, Mo.
Tucked inside Pleasant Valley’s Shoal Creek Community Church, The CO-OP at Shoal Creek repurposes the underutilized church spaces into an unconventional coworking environment. Open since January, it offers private offices, shared workspaces, conference rooms and even a commissary kitchen.
With high-speed internet and fully equipped meeting rooms, the space supports freelancers, entrepreneurs and small businesses. Moreover, the partnership between the church and the coworking initiative allows earnings to be shared, thereby making it more than just a workspace. Instead, it’s a community effort that fosters both productivity and connection.
Without a doubt, these coworking spaces are more than just places to work: They’re symbols of transformation. That’s because they breathe life into forgotten structures, proving that innovation doesn’t have to come at the expense of history. Each of these spaces also stands as a testament to the idea that progress and preservation can coexist, reminding us that, sometimes, the key to the future lies in honoring the past.
