After touring District New Haven, the state’s new economic development leader vowed to try to duplicate the co-working space’s success model elsewhere in Connecticut.
David Lehman, new commissioner of the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, toured the 470 James St. site on Friday with Mayor Toni N. Harp and local economic development officials.
Lehman compared District New Haven to what is commonly offered in San Francisco, but “at a fraction of the cost.”
“This is a truly amazing space, and I would like to create more environments like this in Connecticut,” Lehman said. “It can help Connecticut compete, and it is definitely the future.”
David Salinas, co-founder and co-CEO of District New Haven, gave officials the tour of the facility. It offers work spaces to fit the needs of companies of various sizes. The nine-acre campus is right off Exit 6 on I-91, and includes an athletic club, restaurant, beer garden, walking trail, and even a campus kayak and paddleboard launch.
During the tour, Lehman learned about Holberton, an on-campus school which trains software engineers. Students don’t have to pay until they find a job, and graduates have found jobs at companies like Apple and Facebook, according to Salinas.
The law firm Murtha Cullina has space there, where it provides legal counseling to entrepreneurs.
The space has meeting space and recreational areas, where workers can play pool or table tennis while relaxing or discussing business.
In District New Haven’s office section, there are more than 50 companies and about 180 workers, Salinas said. The office space recently filled completely, and District officials can now boast of having a waiting list.
According to Salinas, when business people have spaces to relax, work out or meditate, eventually they’ll discuss what they do for a living with others. These interactions eventually lead to advice, sharing of ideas, opportunities and growth.
“Those collisions create something,” Salinas said.
Lehman said he intends to work with municipal leaders around the state to identify places which might be suitable for transforming into a similar environment.
“The state’s cities are crucial, and having a long-term plan to make sure they are places people want to live, work and play is important,” Lehman said. “Cities are economic growth engines.”
“The vibrancy of New Haven really stands out to me,” he added.
Lehman said his priorities also include improving transportation around the New Haven area and the state to reduce travel times and ease congestion.
Harp said she will work with Lehman’s office and other state leaders on improving transportation.
“We want to make sure we are all working together,” she said.
Lehman has been out talking to leaders around the state for their input since he started in his new role some six weeks ago.
Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com
