Innovation Hub coming to Downtown Harrisonburg - Opening Late 2023
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Hannah Cooper, Director
hannah@harrisonburghub.com
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Innovation Hub coming to Downtown Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg Innovation Hub to renovate and occupy historic 26,500 sqft Wetsel Seed Building
Nov. 16, 2022 – HARRISONBURG, VA – A state-of-the-art innovation hub is slated to occupy a historic
building in downtown Harrisonburg. Harrisonburg Innovation Hub (or more simply known as “HIH”), with
the support of local investors and partners, closed on the space in late October and plans to renovate the
building to provide private offices, coworking, shared resources, rooftop event space, AV production
studio, and anchor spaces. The total investment for the project is $4.5 million.
“Our mission is to reduce barriers to innovation for everyone,” said Peter Denbigh, co-founder of the
Staunton Innovation Hub. “HIH will help attract more forward-thinking innovators to the region, add fuel
to local startups' fires, serve as a basecamp for existing innovators, and help grow an innovation ecosystem whose sum is greater than its parts. It's incredible what happens when the right people coalesce in the right space with the right culture.”
The location of the Wetsel Seed building will be convenient not only for startups, solopreneurs, established institutions, and cottage industry businesses but also for the area’s colleges and universities. At more than 26,000 square feet, the building will house up to 60 private offices, multiple shared conference rooms, an AV room for members to produce their own podcasts, a rooftop deck for events, and a variety of co-working spaces.
The project has been planned in partnership with local investors, Pendleton Community Bank, and Eugene Stoltzfus Architects. In addition to the purchase of the building, the investment includes operational costs and significant renovations. The project has been in development for almost 12 months, while partners took into account feasibility and sustainability with current market conditions. "We have landed on a plan that will allow us to build a best-in-class facility and nurture community, while also conscientiously managing costs," says Denbigh. "I'm thankful for the investors and the bank who believe in and support this vision."
“The Harrisonburg Innovation Hub will be a dynamic addition to our vibrant downtown business district.”
said Brian Shull, economic development director for the City of Harrisonburg. “The multiple services
envisioned for this space perfectly complement the City’s initiatives to attract higher paying jobs and
enhance entrepreneurship opportunities. An added bonus is that this project will breathe new life into the
historic Wetsel Seed Complex, which is a treasured landmark in downtown Harrisonburg.”
Over the course of three years, including the COVID-19 pandemic, Staunton Innovation Hub grew to fill
two historic buildings in Downtown Staunton. It fully occupies 30,000 square feet and houses over 110
businesses, ranging from nonprofits like Shenandoah Community Capital Fund to professional service
firms like Hantzmon Wiebel.
“The Staunton Innovation Hub is known for its friendly, impactful, and community-focused approach,”
said Denbigh. “We’re excited to bring the learnings and successes of the past three years to this new
venture in Harrisonburg to further support the innovative economy in the Shenandoah Valley. It is our goal to make HIH an incredible asset to, and a great neighbor within, the already vibrant Harrisonburg
community.”
The Harrisonburg Innovation Hub is expected to open in late 2023.
About Harrisonburg Innovation Hub
Harrisonburg Innovation Hub is a coworking and event space located in downtown Harrisonburg. It will
offer private offices, coworking, shared resources, rooftop event space, an AV production studio, and
anchor spaces. Members come for the local-roasted coffee and stay for the learning that happens when like minded individuals come together to collaborate in community. Follow the Harrisonburg Innovation Hub on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/company/harrisonburghub), and visit harrisonburghub.com to subscribe to
updates, get on the waitlist, and more!
