idea of trying to help build companies
from the ground up and offer them
support.”
That was the impetus for Rising Tide
Innovation, which now occupies the
Building, and functions as a membership
based organization offering cowork
space with a variety of options:
virtual (phone and mailing address); hot
desk (open seating); dedicated desk
for one to six people.
“We are entrepreneurs and know
how challenging it can be to get
started,” says Leigh. “We thought if we
lowered some of the barriers to entry,
small enterprises could be more competitive.
Our idea is that Rising Tide
creates a growth opportunity—you start
with us and eventually you will outgrow
us because your business is so successful.
We enjoy being around the energy
that comes from launching and growing
businesses."
She points out that St. Petersburg
has the right mix of people, businesses
and attitude to support a concept like
Rising Tide. “I love just about everything
about the city,” says Leigh. “The
people are friendly, the retail is unique,
and the emphasis on the arts is exciting.
Professionally, the business community
here supports growth and collaboration
in a way you just don’t see in other
places.”
curve in introducing an alternative work
environment to the Tampa Bay region.
Today Station House is part of the
downtown St. Pete culture—a trendy
place to get some work done, hold a
business meeting in one of the conference
rooms, hang out in the spacious
public lobby with high-top tables, or
meet colleagues for dinner at the onsite
classes, happy hour events and even
weddings on the rooftop lounge. Like
House offers membership-based
Above: Steve
founder of Station
House St. Pete.
Right: Station
House provides
a cozy, yet
progressive and
hip epicenter for
businesses and
entrepreneurs
from all walks
of life.
co-working options, giving members
the opportunity to have access to business
services, and to work in either
more private or more communal spaces
depending on their needs.
“The concept has worked out even
better than we expected,” says Steve.
“Originally it was going to be a hotel
and now we’ve come to realize that
we are offering a hospitality service,
except it’s for small business owners
and entrepreneurs.”
The success of Station House
prompted Steve to pursue additional
opportunities and he purchased a
second location, restoring the former
historic Green Richman Arcade into
Station House Arcade. The Arcade has
access to all of the social amenities at
Station House. “Startup companies are
always expanding and contracting their
workforce and this gives them an alternative
between Station House and the
Arcade as the need arises,” says Steve.
property, a 1920-era building that he
live-work-play complex. “We’re trying
to make it very affordable for entrepreneurs
who want to live in the downtown
Steve. “That can get very expensive, so
we are creating a convenient solution.”
-
nished apartments with built-in desks,
and rooftop that function as event
space. Residents have access to Station
House’s lineup of amenities.
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