The B Box hums with creativity as a co-working space for artists
Brick and beam space in Kitchener’s Boehmer Box building geared to arts organizations and nonprofits
KITCHENER — There’s a new co-working space in Kitchener where capitalism and commerce will likely take a back seat to creativity and collaboration.
Geared toward artists and arts organizations, environmental groups and nonprofits, The B Box — in the former Boehmer Box building at Duke and Breithaupt streets in Kitchener — offers flexible and affordable space against a historic brick-andbeam backdrop.
And while it provides many of the amenities that other co-working spaces offer, from Wi-Fi and IT support to workshops, coffee and community events, there’s a sense that The B Box is a little bit different.
“One of our tag lines is ‘Black sheep are welcome here,’ ” said community manager Theo Ossinga. “We’re a welcoming, open and empowering community centre.”
The idea grew from a feeling that similar spaces have largely been marketed to startups and smaller businesses within the tech community, said David McConnachie, group publisher for B Box tenant Alternatives Media.
“It’s wonderful that we have a deep core of tech in this community,” he said. “But how do we create the conditions that allow for the blooming of secondary industries?”
The Boehmer Box building itself has taken something of a back seat over the years to the high-profile, and high-cost, restorations of other former factories like the Lang tannery and the Breithaupt Block.
Owner Krishan Judge estimates that approximately 35 per cent of the sprawling building is presently occupied by a number of tenants in addition to The B Box space. There’s about 150,000 square feet of usable space over three floors.
The B Box is based in about 5,000 square feet on the second floor, with additional space for events and plenty of room for the concept to expand further within the building, and possibly beyond. Judge owns other buildings locally and works with his children Kapley and Aneetu on projects such as the ongoing evolution of the Boehmer Box building.
“I’m very happy to support this community,” he said. “We’re very proud to be here.”
With daylight streaming through arched windows and a colourful mural and artwork from Carolyn Dawn Good on the walls, The B Box offers a variety of daily, weekly and monthly tenancy options with rates starting at $25 a day. It’s hosting an open house on Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m.
Ossinga said he’s pleased by the response The B Box has received so far. “It’s been encouraging to find that our purpose gets so much validation and support.”
One of our tag lines is ‘Black sheep are welcome here.’ We’re a welcoming, open and empowering community centre.’ THEO OSSINGA B BOX COMMUNITY MANAGER