PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Memberships for downtown co-work space are now available through Ignite Presque Isle, a local community development nonprofit.
“We already have two members,” Ignite PI Director of Innovation Clint Deschene said. “This started as a dream years and years ago. With COVID, there was time to think and write all the plans.”
Just last week, Ignite PI was able to acquire the iconic Northeastland Hotel in downtown Presque Isle with the help of individual donors, grants and loans. And as part of the plan, a section of the hotel will be reconfigured and redesigned to accommodate this co-work space.
Members of the co-work space have access to high-level copiers, scanners, shared space, conference rooms, a dedicated desk and a collaborative space, Deschene said, adding that at $99 per month membership gives daytime Monday through Saturday access and a $149 per month membership gives the member an access card and round-the-clock use of the spaces.
“We will be announcing the two members who just joined,” Deschene said. “If anyone is interested in co-work space, speak to me now.”
Business owners can also rent additional office space.
“They can rent an entire turn-key office,” Deschene said.
The expected grand opening of the co-work space is this fall, but Deschene said COVID-19 could affect the projected time frame.
Things have been moving quickly this month and the nonprofit also received a $10,000 grant from Maine Community Foundation for co-work space wi-fi and technology needs.
Deschene said the goal of Ignite PI is to help the city grow. And he points to how this is already happening.
When Ignite PI acquired the Northeastland Hotel, they actually sold a portion of the building to local business Bike, Board and Ski.
“Now they own their space,” Deschene said.
As part of the bigger plan, Ignite PI will keep the hotel running with its current management and staff, as well as add enhanced dining and event space.
