By Pamela Brown
Work isn’t work when you have a productive and dynamic office space. “We say, ‘work someplace beautiful,’” says Tom Ambler and Steve Bruman, partners at Bangallworks, a coworking and community building space in Stanfordville. Since opening in 2019, it’s become a thriving hub for people to connect, collaborate, and create. The idea for this space grew organically when Bruman and Ambler transformed the former 19th century horse stable/general store, and most recently former Bangall Whaling Company restaurant, into a beautiful place to bring people together. “We let the building talk to us—as a place to gather with our neighbors and then coworking came in,” says Ambler. “We knew people were not going back to work or traveling to the city and needed a professional work environment. Being in a rural setting, our place feels like home,” he says.
Located amidst Hunns Lake, the antique building was remodeled to include today’s amenities, such as private workstations and open communal spaces, but stayed true to its roots, with hitching posts lining the front entrance, exposed beams, clerestory windows, and a sliding barn door. “Bangall is a historic district and we wanted to keep the building with the old feel but add updates to offer a completely contemporary workspace. We have a lounge area with couches and a gas fireplace. In winter it’s downright cozy. It’s a pastiche of different things,” says Ambler, who shares a story about the Bangallworks sign. “There was a gold leaf sign painted by a local kid held over from the days when the space was a restaurant. We weren’t using that brand so we had it removed and in our search to find someone to do back-shadowed gilded lettering we came across the same person who painted the original sign. It was a cute coincidence.”
Meeting new people and bouncing ideas off of one another has really taken off. Over the course of two summers during the pandemic, Simon Buckley, an NYC resident, has enjoyed working at Bangallworks. “More so than if I was working from home,” says Buckley. “The atmosphere is very friendly and quiet. All fellow co-workers have been courteous and engaging, sharing stories. One co-worker I met was using the private office next door. Our paths would cross on multiple occasions and we established a very good rapport, sharing professional and personal stories, finding out in the process that we knew mutual friends. The world is small at Bangallworks,” he says. “The environment is very clean and bright with the soothing sound of the brook in the background when the windows are open.” Buckley learned about Bangallworks when he was visiting nearby Windrock Farm and needed a remote work space. “The farm owner, Cari, suggested I go to Bangallworks, as she used the space for her business needs and knows Steve.” Buckley describes Bruman as “very trusting and accommodating” and great at facilitating introductions between fellow coworkers as they join. He appreciates how Bruman renovated the space, “keeping its history but designing a very practical, spacious, and light working environment. The business standard internet connection is key to being able to work there efficiently and productively.”
When clients need a space to speak privately, an old Frigidaire walk-in refrigerator, original to the general store, has been converted into a private phone booth. There are outdoor tables with umbrellas. “I love this peaceful, contemplative environment to work. It’s a beautiful place to decompress. It’s the best white noise you’ll ever work against,” says Ambler. Daily, part-time, and full-time membership plans offer 24-hour accessibility.
Ambler and Bruman view rural coworking as bringing people together beyond work. “It’s about building community events,” says Bruman. Bangallworks hosts educational and social programming, including the town’s inaugural PRIDE event with over 225 in attendance and a second annual Scrabble tourney. “We will be doing a summer’s bounty potluck in mid to late August. We plan on doing this in our rear yard down by the creek,” says Ambler, who welcomes people to bring in their own events. “It’s remarkable. Bangallworks is a place where you can disconnect but still connect.” —Bangallworks.com
97 Hunns Lake Road, Stanfordville
845-868-3028