Impact Hub Philly to Close Kensington Co-Working Space

(Impact Hub)

Impact Hub Philly is closing.

Executive Director Dominique Aubry sent a note to all members on Wednesday, saying that the co-working space has “incurred considerable financial losses” and will be closing its doors on December 1. 

Impact Hub is located in a majestic 23,000 square foot converted church on 4th Street near Girard Avenue in South Kensington. It contained meeting rooms, event spaces, office space and a large outdoor deck. Launched in January 2013, the organization’s goal is to create a community of entrepreneurs, activists and creative-types who are trying to drive positive social and environmental change.

Impact Hub is part of a larger organization with co-working spaces in cities all over the world.

It seems as though Impact Hub Philly will live on in some form.

“This pivot allows us to re-center our focus around identifying what we do best and how to best serve our community through our work,” Aubry wrote in her note to members. “We are open to all suggestions and ideas and I hope to have conversations with each of you on the next phase of Impact Hub Philly as we move toward a new solution by the end of this year.”

The space was formerly occupied by 3rd Ward Philly, which offered co-working and a maker space. But it abruptly closed shortly after it opened.

Aubry declined to comment for this story.

Here is the full letter:

Dear Impact Hub Philly Members,

I hope this email finds you all well and enjoying the end of the summer season.

Over the last year we have connected, supported and learned from each other and it has been my personal pleasure to have built relationships with each of you. As you know, in such a large and often quiet building it can be hard to feel the energy of our collective community. We have all worked together through the various challenges that we have faced in our building: location, transportation, access to amenities, and infrastructure issues to name a few. 

MissionHUB and Impact Hub Philadelphia have worked tirelessly to build a thriving community and business here – however, we have incurred considerable financial losses since we launched in January 2013. Based on our current capacity and expenses, at this time we cannot sustain a co-working business at 1227 N 4th.  Sadly, we will be closing the doors to this beautiful building on December 1, 2015 and transitioning thereafter.   

Between now and then, we do have a great opportunity in front of us. We passionately believe in social innovation, the Philadelphia community and the value that Impact Hub can offer to its members and the City at-large.  This pivot allows us to re-center our focus around identifying what we do best and how to best serve our community through our work. We are open to all suggestions and ideas and I hope to have conversations with each of you on the next phase of Impact Hub Philly as we move toward a new solution by the end of this year.  In the interim, you will see us making some minor changes to our space so that we are able to operate better throughout this transition.

Again, thank you for being part of this community – each of you contributed to this space in energy, kindness and creativity. I look forward to seeing you again on the other side. 

Sincerest Regards,

Dominique Aubry