Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Gaffney.
After the former tenants of a downtown Lockport office space relocated, property owner Doug Gaffney decided to make its rehabilitation his latest project.
Previously Gaffney had experience rehabbing single family homes with a partner during the foreclosure crisis. “Commercial is different than residential. It’s harder to find the right tenants but once you do they tend to stay longer.”
Gaffney — a full-time digital commerce specialist for IBM — took this one on himself and spent six months transforming the space into seven offices geared toward people who work remotely. Lockport Loft, 1000 S. Hamilton St., now has five tenants that range from a 3-D printing company to a legal firm.
“Doing this isn’t related to what I do as a full-time job,” he said. “To me, it’s kind of fun.”
For Gaffney, working from home often proved difficult with so many distractions, especially if his children were home from school during the summer. He said he decided to rent office spaces so people who work remotely have the opportunity to work in a professional setting.
Gaffney also refurbished the offices himself — a process that he found gratifying and challenging.
He spent several nights and weekends upgrading the space and completed all the renovations — excluding the drywall, plumbing and electricity — by hand.
Gaffney said the process was one of trial-and-error, particularly when he was removing drywall from a closet and hit a water line.
“It was spraying all over the place,” he said.
Despite the mishaps, Gaffney is happy his efforts have not gone unnoticed, he said. People have been interested with the concept and are enthusiastic that it promotes a community-oriented environment.
“As they do get to know each other, they can create a bond in the office,” he said.
Lockport Loft also serves another purpose, he said. Its opening coincides with the City of Lockport’s downtown revitalization efforts, and Gaffney said he believes new business downtown always is beneficial.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The attic area was a mess with no real useful value other than storage. As I began to remove the ceiling tiles I realized the attic could be exposed to the floor below making it a much more useful office space, plus increasing the circulation in the office. Specific skills were called in for help such as drywall, electric and finish carpentry. The challenge is to create an office that is “cool, nice, and functional”.
Lockport Loft – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
At Lockport Loft we have experience with the needs of the individual employee. Work from home jobs have become increasingly common, especially in the technology industry. It’s all great until you start to deal with the barking dog, kids at home, doorbell ringing, etc. If only there was a place that was affordable where I can just get away and work. No more client meetings at Starbucks. No hassle of buying furniture, setting up utilities, internet – it’s all packaged here in one low monthly fee! You are productive and professional to your clients on the first day!
Lockport Loft design has been modeled after a downtown Chicago internet software company that hired designers and architects to design the office. The design has won awards in Architect’s Magazine, and has been showcased in Chicago’s Architecture Tour. The industrial look of Lockport Loft combined with modern lighting, glass and all new construction provides an office that is professional and with character. The loft space is a perfect meeting area with your clients.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
A community of professionals who network and support each other. Businesses within the community that co-habitate and share the cost of overhead expenses (heat, electric, internet, etc). A nice environment for individuals to interact with each other. People who walk in and say “wow this is really nice”.
Pricing:
- Pricing starts at just $400/mo
- No startup cost – includes furniture and all utilities
- Productive work environment on your first day
Contact Info:
- Address: 1000 S Hamilton St
Lockport, IL - Website: www.lockportloft.com
- Phone: 312-550-6131
- Email: dgaff11@comcast.net
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