Spaces, WA, Seattle - Spaces Belltown

Lisa Zook 2 years ago

We signed a contract with Spaces about a year ago and were in an office space until the pandemic hit. We have struggled with the company at every step along the way. During the contract negotiations we signed a contract and reserved an office in their space. When we arrived to move in, they had given the space to someone else. They assigned us to another space which wasn't to our liking but, since we were in a bind and they were unwilling to nullify the contract, we moved in. Once in the building we learned that it is not conducive to working. The building is very loud - you can hear everything happening in the hallway, conversations/phone calls in the neighboring office, and loud footsteps from the floor above. There are a few phone booths for private calls but they are a challenge to get and so most people take calls in the hallways. Group meeting space is charged at an additional (very expensive) fee, as well (unlike at WeWork where your contract comes with meeting space hours). During the pandemic, our disappointment in Spaces only grew. They have not provided small businesses with safe options for returning to work -- unless you are willing to pay significantly more for a larger space (to ensure social distancing). They offered to delay payment during the first 2 months of the pandemic if you were willing to extend your contract with them for the same amount of time but their offerings stopped there. Also note that the way they write the contract is as a 'service provider' rather than as a landlord - so the mayor's eviction moratorium and ban on late fees do not apply. If you are searching for an office space within Seattle I suggest that you check out WeWork or Pioneer Collective. We have used both of their services previously and have been much happier -- as the staff and the company have small businesses' interests in mind. We regret making the move to Spaces.