Since Bat Haus opened two years ago the co-working space converted-from-a-garage has seen some ch-ch-changes! These changes include “the growth of memberships, the addition of events, Presentation Party Night, Drink N’ Draw, the air conditioner, and the time portal,”said Cody Sullivan Bat Haus co-founder.
When they first opened co-founder Natalie Chan was working full-time as a production assistant. She now works at Bat Haus full-time.
I “still take care of events and Cody does coworking”, said Natalie.
Since 3rd Ward closed last year Bat Haus has been the venue for Drink & Draw sustaining another option for artists to get slightly buzzed while keeping their charcoal pencils sharp with professional male or female nude models.
The adorable kittens that were a fixture of the early days are no longer around. “The kittens (Chubby, Onion, Pink Nose, and their mother, Tummy) were all fixed and adopted,” said Cody.
Still animal friendly as ever, in their stead is the adorable mutt Potato who makes appearances besides member’s dogs.
Even without the dogs the membership is double what it was a year ago.
“People want a quiet, productive place to work. [We’re] trying to provide that.” There’s now two conference rooms instead of one and more plans to accommodate transitioning freelancers.
While Cody built much of Bat Haus when it first opened including the mezzanine, and the wood shelves along the length of the space he hasn’t made as many trips to Ikea in awhile:
“I try to physically build as little as possible now. I prefer building Bat Haus’ website.”
They recently changed out the bathroom door to close a gap that left one member feeling bereft of privacy and peace of mind. The old door, adorned with Natalie’s pictures from her first years in Bushwick, is now leaned up against the building in the backyard-a creative reminder of Bat Haus’ changes.
Natalie acknowledges the recently opened coworking space Brooklyn Desks, but feels that Bushwick is increasingly becoming a place where freelancers can go work, live, and party.
“They’re different from us, they’re like small offices for startups and we’re more individuals. I don’t see that as a bad thing,” Natalie explained. “You need same/similar type of business, you need them to be close to each other in certain areas and then people start to notice.”
And people have been noticing. Two years later people still try to come through the huge double pane windows that was once the garage opening thinking it’s the door. Passer-by’s still peek through the glass to see what’s going on. The next time you’re around Starr Street don’t be one of those people. Drop by, take a tour and see the changes for yourself.
