3rd Ward
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Website |
www.3rdward.com |
Sector Group |
Retail and Tourism |
Description |
Founded in 2006, 3rd Ward provides co-working space, exhibition/event space and classes for individuals and small businesses in its 30,000 SF facility in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn. 3rd Ward's top-of-the-line resources, which include photo and jewelry studios, a media lab, wood and metal shops, and co-working space, reduces the start up and on-going operational costs for freelancers and small business owners. A number of 3rd Ward's 1,200+ member base, consisting primarily of photographers, industrial and graphic designers, fabricators, writers, and entrepreneurs, are self employed and operate their business from 3rd Ward's facility. The companies that call 3rd Ward home range from custom furniture manufacturers (Re-Co BKLYN, Poggi Industries and ETHER Atelier) to a mobile software cooperative (Plausible Labs). 3rd Ward offers 700+ classes/year that provide professional and non professionals the opportunity to expand their skills and interests. 3rd Ward's gallery openings, craft fairs and other events, which showcase local talent, are designed to further encourage individual and community growth. Through these many activities, 3rd Ward has become a hub of creative and economic activity in East Williamsburg. In June 2011, New York City Investment Fund provided debt financing to 3rd Ward to support the renovation and expansion of its facility and online infrastructure. Proceeds from the financing will allow 3rd Ward to expand class, production, co-working and web hosting capabilities, fund the build-out of a café, and launch a "member-made" e-commerce portal. Furthermore, 3rd Ward's presence in East Williamsburg brings jobs and activity to an economically disadvantaged community. |