New FLX Works Coworking Space Launches in Downtown Watkins Glen, Boosted by Downtown Revitalization Funds

FLX Works, a coworking space at 216 N. Franklin St. in Watkins Glen that’s part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), was completed recently. The Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development, the Watkins Glen Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Local Planning Committee and the FLX Gateway Community Development Corporation held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate its opening. This much-awaited event was attended by representatives from the State Senate, Assembly, U.S. Congress, Village of Watkins Glen and New York State.

“Once again, Watkins Glen is fulfilling the vision of the DRI and the community by bringing the Village into the 21st century and creating a prosperous, year-round economy, while enhancing and expanding its small-town assets and charm,” said Secretary of State, Walter T. Mosley.

Laurie DeNardo, mayor of Watkins Glen Village and co-chair of the Watkins Glen Local Planning Committee, noted that the space would be used by locals, tourists, visitors and companies throughout Schuyler County and beyond.

“FLX Works will complement the other businesses along Franklin Street as their members will naturally utilize the stores, shops and restaurants in its proximity,” she said. “This last private investment project of the DRI truly completes the story of what we set out to accomplish with the DRI and I am proud to be here for the official opening.”

According to RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner of Community Renewal and State Homes in New York, DRI funds created eight new apartments and increased vibrancy through the transformation of the building.

Jim Guild, owner of the building, shared that the space had been through significant change and he was happy to see the second floor’s transformation.

“It was once an active building, supporting small businesses, and now, with the funding received through the DRI and ESD, I am pleased that it will once again be a beacon for small businesses to learn, work and flourish,” he said.

After almost two years of construction, the space is finally finished and open for business thanks to funding from the Downtown Revitalization Initiative program, the Empire State Development Non-Profit Capital Grant, the Schuyler County Legislature, the Schuyler County IDA, the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development, the Cargill Foundation and several private investors. The project cost just more than $375,000.

Massive renovations were made to the 5,000-square-foot space, including installing air conditioning and heating for the second floor; adding new office space in the back third of the space; and creating FLX Works in the front two-thirds of the space with open workspace, three private phone booths, a conference room, three private offices, a start-up business mailroom and storage. Other improvements included kitchen and bathroom renovations; front entrance and door updates; and electrical upgrades that included lighting, a security system and a badge system for round-the-clock access.

For further details, visit flxworks.org or email [email protected].