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OfficeXpats, Now Known at Expats Coworking, Sets Up Shop in a New Location Across the Street From its Former Home at The Pavilion

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Jason Omens and Leslie Schnieder in front of their new offices

Expats Coworking (also known as OfficeXpats), Bainbridge Island’s original coworking community, cut the ribbon at its new location at 350 Madison Avenue North on Monday afternoon, marking a major milestone in the company’s 15-year history. In recognition of International Coworking Day, the community is invited to an open house at the company’s new digs on August 7th.

Expats, which specializes in shared offices, meeting spaces and private offices, has been holed up on the second floor of The Pavilion, at 403 Madison Avenue N., since 2011. Last year, founders Jason Omens and Leslie Schneider made the leap into commercial real estate by purchasing the building directly across the street—an opportunity that aligned with their vision for “long term stability, expanded services, and deeper community roots,” they said. The building was acquired from the former owners of Aspect Engineering (also once known as Aspect Consulting) and prior to 2011 is fondly remembered by islanders as Dr. Cable’s Veterinary Office, a landmark of local life for decades.

 

Fifteen years ago, renown local architect Charlie Wenzlau was engaged to remodel the interior, and he added the rooftop deck as well as many new private offices. Tying the new coworking home to the island’s architectural heritage, Wenzlau believes that the building was originally designed by Hal Moldstad, a noted Northwest architect who developed his own version of modernist regional architecture, often incorporating Asian influences, local materials, and sweeping roofs. His work includes vacation compounds for Paul Allen and Bill Gates, as well as several iconic Bainbridge Island residences including the Harold Runstad House (1969), the Fred Smith House (1969), the John P. Glase House (1970) and the James H. Todd House (1971).

Jason and Leslie survey their new digs

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Since taking occupancy May 1, Expats Coworking has completed a series of interior updates to support modern work styles, including new phone booth rooms, transformed work zones, and improved amenities for hybrid workers, freelancers, and small teams. The company is also debuting its refreshed brand—Expats Coworking—a name that reflects how the coworking industry has evolved from a niche concept in 2011 to a core role in today’s work landscape.

“This beautiful building, with its soaring windows, rooftop deck, and private workspaces, feels like it was waiting for a community minded purpose,” says Schneider, a Bainbridge Island City Councilwoman when she’s not running Expats. “We’re honored to steward this space and excited to welcome members into a place that blends history, creativity, and the future of work.”

 

 Co-owner Omens says the couple decided to purchase the building and relocate their business for a variety of reasons. “Why did we (decide) to buy (the new building)?” he asks. “For the long-term viability. Rents keep going up. If we invest in a building, we can build equity. We want to continue to grow,” he explains. “There are more opportunities (there) than in the (previous) space.” Omens doubles as a Cybersecurity Analyst for the Naval Undersea Research Center at Keyport when he’s not at Expats.

 

Adds Schneider, “Acquiring this property will allow us to re-invent our culture of collaboration and innovation in a beautiful new space, with stability for our future. … We look forward to welcoming our members to this new building with even more community space as soon as it becomes available, hopefully within this year.”

Set back in the trees on Madison Ave., the spacious facility has 4,200 square feet on two floors. Some of its key features include: a second-floor boardroom with access to a large south-facing deck, seven large private offices with floor-to-ceiling windows, two kitchenettes, a shower in one of three bathrooms, covered bicycle parking, and ample vehicle parking out back.

 

 

“It’s kind of a stealth building, set in the trees, kind of by itself,” Omens says. “Nobody knows where it is.” In a previous iteration, the building was a veterinarian office and dog kennel before it was acquired by Aspect in or around 2011. “We looked into at the time and almost bought it,” recalls Schneider, “but we’re glad we were outbid. It would have taken a lot of work to turn it into our space.” Omens agrees, “They bought the place and tore it down to the studs and rebuilt it, (installing everything) including HVAC system. It was totally re-done,” he says. “We could move in and not touch a thing, expect for maybe some funky pony walls.”

 

Mayor Clearance Moriwaki and the Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce headlined the milestone celebration this past Monday. Following the ribbon cutting a reception followed that included remarks from the founders, guided tours of the newly updated space, recognition of the building’s history, as well as the community that has supported Expats Coworking since its beginnings.

 

About Expats Coworking: Expats Coworking is Kitsap County’s first coworking space, offering flexible work environments, meeting rooms, professional development events, and a supportive community for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Since 2011, Expats Coworking has championed the idea that work is better when people have access to shared resources and a sense of belonging.
For more information, contact Leslie Schneider, 206-355-9636, leslie@officexpats.com or visit OfficeXpats Coworking and Meeting Space.

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One Comment

  • It may have been Dr Cable’s vet practice, but throughout the 90’s, it was Dr Stan Bailey’s practice.

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