Former Centro Ybor Movie Theater Transitions Into Coworking Space

TAMPA, FL — As America's business landscape changes due to the coronavirus pandemic, a once-popular entertainment venue in Ybor City has been converted into a co-working space to meet the increasing demand for office space for startups and telecommuting employees.

The AMC Classic Centro Ybor 10 movie theater, which closed in 2015, has been reborn as a new coworking space by Industrious, which has more than 90 flexible work spaces throughout the country.

Encompassing more than 45,000 square feet, the new coworking space, co-owned by Industrious and Third Lake Partners LLC, which represents Centro Ybor, features services and amenities designed to help independent workers be more productive. Industrious offers modern floor plans with private offices of varying sizes, shared conference rooms, cafes, Wi-Fi and access to its national network.

Contractors for Industrious punched out walls to bring natural window light windows into the former dark movie theater space outfitted with trendy furnishings and contemporary colors.

In accordance with coronavirus protocols, the coworking space features increased sanitation, improved filtration systems, and conference rooms and hallways that allow for social distancing.

"The market demand in Tampa for the Industrious product has been strong from the start,” Industrious Florida manager Jen Reilly Kelmer said in a statement. "Ybor City is also home to a budding film and creative industry, which makes it the perfect place for this unique movie theater conversion.”

Kelmer said small startups and telecommuting workers are clambering for coworking office space.

With on-demand movies at home and the availability of new film releases through subscription services such as Hulu and Netflix, the demand for movie theaters has fallen off in recent years, leaving empty buildings that are ideal for transitioning into coworking spaces.

Industrious is also converting the Channelside Bay Plaza movie theater into a coworking space at Sparkman Wharf.

"We opened in the SunTrust Financial Center at the end of 2017 and quickly had to expand to a second floor," Kelmer said. "There has been a substantial wait list since. Industrious is so excited to be expanding our presence in the market with our new Centro Ybor location."

"As Ybor continues to redefine itself as a hub for innovation, tech and creative services, this collaborative coworking space serves as a much-needed anchor for companies flocking to Tampa," said Mayor Jane Castor. "The expansion of Industrious to Centro Ybor just further highlights the economic competitiveness of Ybor as one of Tampa's unique business districts. I cannot wait to tell the story of all the innovators that will call Industrious Centro Ybor home."

"Third Lake is excited about the partnership with Industrious," said Robert Forsythe, president and COO at Third Lake. "The Centro Ybor project will be transformative for Centro Ybor and Ybor City, bringing hundreds of additional professionals each day which will positively impact local businesses. We believe Ybor City can be a major cultural, artistic and professional hub for Tampa."

This is the first time Industrious has partnered with Third Lake. Instead of a traditional lease, this arrangement allows both sides to share in the profits.

See related story: Centro Ybor Movie Theater To Be Converted Into Coworking Space