/
1x
Advertisement
Proudly Canadian, obsessively Toronto. Subscribe to Toronto Life!
Real Estate News

See inside VerkSpace, a Nordic-inspired co-working office in Moss Park

The city’s stylish new co-working spaces are tempting workers out of coffee shops

By Jean Grant| Photography by Derek Shapton
Copy link
See inside VerkSpace, a Nordic-inspired co-working office in Moss Park
VerkSpace

32 Britain St. (near Queen and Sherbourne)

Rent: From $295 per month for shared space; $495 for a dedicated desk Number of members: Approximately 100 Best perk: Discounts at local restaurants

Four years ago, housemates Edward Wensing and Logan Prong were freelancers working out of their Moss Park living room. Prong was doing consulting for the hospitality industry, and Wensing worked in web development. They hated the lack of space and the fact that all the nearby cafés closed early.

“I’m a late-night worker, and there were no workspaces that offered 24-7 availability,” Prong says. Figuring they weren’t the only ones with this problem, they decided to open a co-working space in the neighbourhood. Eventually, they found the perfect place: a brick-and-beam building on Britain Street. They moved in two years ago and currently occupy four floors. The minimalist interior design is inspired by Wensing and Prong’s trips to Iceland and other Nordic countries. Even their slogan, “On with the butter,” comes from the literal translation of an Icelandic saying that means, “Get back to work.”

The experience is more like hanging out at a boutique hotel than hiding away in a cubicle. There’s a front desk manager who doubles as a greeter for guests. Inviting lounge spaces resemble trendy lobbies. At 9,000 square feet, the member-to-square-foot ratio is low, meaning there’s ample space for workers to spread out. Every first Wednesday of each month is a party, during which new recruits can introduce themselves.

Advertisement

The lounge spaces are decorated with furniture inspired by Wensing and Prong’s trips to Nordic countries:

See inside VerkSpace, a Nordic-inspired co-working office in Moss Park

 

The desks and kitchen island are custom built, with walnut tops that give them a warm, homey feel:

See inside VerkSpace, a Nordic-inspired co-working office in Moss Park

 

All the desk chairs are from Herman Miller. “We made a substantial investment in them, but they were definitely worth it,” Prong says:

Advertisement
See inside VerkSpace, a Nordic-inspired co-working office in Moss Park

 

The building is relatively new, but it looks like an old factory:

See inside VerkSpace, a Nordic-inspired co-working office in Moss Park

 

Who works here?
See inside VerkSpace, a Nordic-inspired co-working office in Moss Park

Justin Wood, 33
KRFTWRK “We’re a digital design and marketing agency with a focus on helping people grow their online businesses.”

     

Advertisement
See inside VerkSpace, a Nordic-inspired co-working office in Moss Park

Brenda Ngina Kahura, 33
Shoebox “We provide free, unlimited photo backup, with a focus on helping users relive their best moments.”

     

See inside VerkSpace, a Nordic-inspired co-working office in Moss Park

Ingrid Fung, 33
Finistere Ventures “We invest in agricultural start-ups that help feed the world more sustainably.”

NEVER MISS A TORONTO LIFE STORY

Sign up for This City, our free newsletter about everything that matters right now in Toronto politics, sports, business, culture, society and more.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
You may unsubscribe at any time.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Advertisement
Advertisement

The Latest

“I’m a Toronto man through and through”: Meet Hassan Phills, the Scarborough comedian sampled by Drake
Culture

“I’m a Toronto man through and through”: Meet Hassan Phills, the Scarborough comedian sampled by Drake

Inside the Latest Issue

The May issue of Toronto Life features the artists, professors, scientists and other luminaries moving north to avoid the carnage of Trump. Plus, our obsessive coverage of everything that matters now in the city.