10 Years of Belonging: Celebrating a Decade of Industrious Philadelphia

Our first Industrious location, Avenue of the Arts, marks a decade of heart, hospitality, and community in the city we proudly call home.

The year was 2015. The airwaves were alive with the infectious beat of “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars, a track so catchy it felt inescapable. On screens big and small, Mad Max: Fury Road was revving through theaters, and Hamilton was turning Broadway on its head. Social media feeds were overflowing with “Why You Always Lying?”, Left Shark’s Super Bowl moment, and the ever-iconic Doge, whose wide-eyed wonder was meme royalty. Meanwhile, the Apple Watch had just made its debut, and coworking was still a fresh concept for many: full of promise, but not yet fully mainstream.

Back when culture was shifting, tech was booming, and the future of work was just beginning to take shape, Industrious opened its Avenue of the Arts location in Philadelphia. A decade later, it remains one of the most beloved spaces in our network, not only because it was the first to open, but because of everything it has come to represent.

Earlier this summer, we celebrated its anniversary with a special all-day-long-celebration, which included having a James Beard Award finalist chef come to make gourmet omelets to order, champagne and charcuterie to toast in the afternoon, and a party in the evening with live music and a cake to cap off the commemoration. (That music was brought to you by Bill Handy, the Member Experience Manager, who rolled in a piano and played for everyone.)

It was attended by both members and Industrious executives alike, some who even brought their families out, basking in all of the big and small wins over the years.

A historic space full of character and life

Located in a beautifully historic building once home to the Fox Locust Theater, whose original marquee remains an iconic part of the neighborhood, the Avenue of the Arts space is nestled among Philadelphia’s cultural treasures: right next to the Academy of Music and the Bellevue Theater. This proximity to the city’s arts scene imbues the workspace with an energy and creativity all its own.

The building has been lovingly cared for over the years, blending historic character with modern upgrades to meet the evolving needs of its members. Every visit to Avenue of the Arts offers a unique experience, with many members remarking on the space’s distinctive personality and warmth.

Together, we’ve savored so many small yet unforgettable moments that stitch us closer as a community:

• Savoring 182 different Bevi flavors, keeping hydration fun and fresh
  
• Restocking the snack bar 312 times this year alone, because everyone deserves a tasty pick-me-up
  
• Cheering and waving during two joyous Super Bowl parades watched right from our windows
  
• And debating, with friendly passion, the unofficial cheesesteak champion (Angelo’s is a local favorite that fuels both conversations and cravings)
  

It’s memories, laughter, and shared experiences that make Avenue of the Arts feel like home. 

Community that grows deeper with time

What truly distinguishes Avenue of the Arts is its community. Longstanding members have developed friendships and business partnerships that extend well beyond the walls of the workspace. The location’s intimate scale with just 64 offices creates a boutique atmosphere where everyone knows each other by name, and even pets and kids are part of the family fabric.

One of those members is Jena Craxford, partner at VIM Collaborative, who has been at this location from the start. She and her two business partners joined when they were starting their educational consulting group, settling into a space that became crucial to their launching an independent project-based high school in Philadelphia. They used the conference rooms for hosting educators from across the country, leveraging amenities like all-day snacks and drinks. 

Since then, Craxford has built connections with other businesses in the building, working with market researchers, accountants and other professionals. Today, she continues to value Industrious for its sense of community and as a mental health alternative to working alone at home. She says that what’s kept her coming back year after year is the above-and-beyond support from each member experience manager.

She’s not the only one who feels this way. These shared experiences underscore what makes Industrious different: it’s not just about providing a place to work, but about fostering belonging and connection.

A launchpad for ambition and growth

Avenue of the Arts is more than just an office—it’s a springboard for businesses and ideas, a quality that’s echoed across all of our locations. In Philadelphia, many started with coworking memberships and gradually grew into dedicated office spaces that fit their needs, customizing them with personal touches that turn work areas into comfortable, inspiring environments.

This flexible approach, combined with a steadfast commitment to hospitality, enables members to focus on what matters most, while trusting Industrious to handle the details. From reliable high-speed internet and seamless printing to thoughtfully curated snacks and beverages, every element is designed to support productivity and well-being.

A brand built on hospitality and consistency

The success of Industrious, especially at Avenue of the Arts, comes down to more than just beautiful spaces. It’s the team behind the scenes, delivering a consistent, hospitality-first experience that makes every member feel valued and supported. The blend of attentiveness, responsiveness, and genuine care creates a workplace culture where people want to come back day after day.

Maintaining an older building does present unique challenges, but those are met with careful upgrades and a dedication to preserving the space’s historic charm. This approach not only keeps the location thriving but also preserves the sense of history and belonging that members cherish.

Looking ahead: Continuing the journey together

With a high occupancy rate and a loyal membership base, the location is poised to continue serving as a vibrant incubator for ideas, friendships, and businesses for many years to come.

Whether you’re a longtime member or just discovering what Industrious has to offer, Avenue of the Arts is a place where work and community come together in perfect harmony. Explore our location page and membership options to see how you can join a space that’s more than just an office: it’s a home for growth, connection, and belonging.

Later this year, our locations at Atlanta’s Ponce City Market, Minneapolis’s Downtown, and Raleigh’s Charter Square will also celebrate their 10-year anniversaries.