GAITHERSBURG, Md. (October 21, 2014) — The Brick Companies today announced an addition to its “For Working, For Living, For Fun” portfolio with the unveiling of Launch Workplaces, a new concept in hybrid workspace centers for individuals, startups and small companies.
Set to officially open after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 6, the first Launch Workplaces center is located within a Class A office building owned by The Brick Companies at 9841 Washingtonian Blvd. in the heart of the RIO Washingtonian Center in Gaithersburg, Md. Located on the building’s second floor overlooking Lake Washingtonian, it encompasses more than 16,000 square feet.
Designed to serve as a resource for entrepreneurs and small businesses, Launch Workplaces are hybrid work environments offering a mix of collaborative workspaces and furnished offices to nurture business growth through an entrepreneurial community, collaboration, and educational programming.
“Launch Workplaces provides the space, resources, freedom, flexibility and entrepreneurial community that will allow small businesses to grow and take off,” said Mike Kriel, Launch Workplaces CEO. “As an entrepreneurial company we understand that you need great, efficient space to work. You need enough space, but not too much, and you need flexibility to start, grow and thrive.”
“Furnished Office” memberships start at $750 per month, offering members 24/7 access, fast, secure internet access via Ethernet and Wi-Fi, a basic phone service package, use of conference rooms, free use of fully stocked kitchens, unlimited use of lounges and recreational areas, mail service, and print/copy/fax service.
Launch Workplaces also offers “Desk” memberships and other packages designed to meet the needs of any business. As businesses experience growth, Launch Workplaces will work with its members to accommodate additional needs.
Kriel said that following the opening of the Gaithersburg Launch Workplaces, The Brick Companies will seek locations in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore metro areas to take advantage of the growing need for such spaces.
Lex Birney, CEO of The Brick Companies, said Launch Workplaces is a logical addition to the commercial real estate company’s array of services, which in addition to traditional commercial office buildings includes marinas, golf courses and a private golf club with a restaurant among other amenities.
“What differentiates us as a commercial real estate company is our connection to and knowledge of hospitality and meeting the needs of those who use our facilities,” Birney said. “Launch Workplaces is a logical extension into an area that serves the way people are going to work in the future.
“Not only are we building a community and connection with today’s workforce, but this will allow us to fill vacancies as we help young companies grow to the point where they could require larger space in one of our buildings,” he said. “This is the future of commercial real estate and we see a lot of potential with this concept in Washington, D.C., Baltimore and other markets.”
About The Brick Companies
The Brick Companies (TBC), a privately held company founded in Washington, D.C. in 1892 as The Washington Brick and Terra Cotta Company and now based in Edgewater, Md., owns, develops and manages commercial, residential and recreational properties “For Working, For Living, For Fun.” Properties in the TBC portfolio are located in and around the Baltimore/Washington metro area. Some of its assets include Queenstown Harbor on Maryland’s Eastern Shore; the Golf Club at South River, nestled in the South River Colony community just south of Annapolis; the Atlantic Marina Resort on the Patapsco and Atlantic Marina on the Magothy in Pasadena, Md.; and, approximately 1,000,000 square feet of commercial buildings in Maryland and Virginia. Moreover, the company is committed to environmental and social responsibility as demonstrated by its “green building” philosophy and its support for charities and social causes through The TBC Foundation. For more information about TBC visit www.thebrickcompanies.com.
