Test The Yard Gowanus Against Your Actual Workday

Test The Yard Gowanus Against Your Actual Workday

If you’re considering coworking at The Yard’s Gowanus location (157 13th Street), a thorough tour and trial are essential to see if it fits your daily routine. This guide details what to check—commute, workspace comfort, calls, access, and costs—so you can make a confident decision before joining or booking a day pass.

Commute, Arrival, and Entry Logistics

Start by mapping your route to 157 13th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenues. The F, G, and R subway lines are nearby, but reliability and timing can vary. Before your visit:

• Test your commute during your typical work hours, noting travel time and any transfer issues.
• If you bike, check for secure racks or indoor storage. For drivers, look for street parking or nearby lots and note any time limits or fees.
• Walk the block to assess lighting and foot traffic, especially if you’ll arrive early or leave late.
• Observe the building entrance and any security or check-in procedures during staffed hours (Monday–Friday, 9:30am–5:30pm). Ask how entry works after hours—keycard, app, or code?
• Confirm if there’s step-free access from the street and whether elevators or ramps are available for mobility devices.

Workspace Comfort, Ergonomics, and Noise

The Yard Gowanus features warehouse-style architecture with private offices, shared desks, and an inner courtyard. During your tour or trial day:

• Try different desk setups—shared tables, private offices, and lounge areas. Check desk height, chair adjustability, and proximity to outlets.
• Assess natural light and ventilation. Note if windows open, if there’s air conditioning, and how the space feels during your preferred work hours.
• Visit during both peak and quieter times to gauge ambient noise from other members, events, or street traffic. If you’re sensitive to sound, ask about quiet zones or noise policies.
• Check the temperature in various areas, especially if you plan to work long hours or in different seasons.

Calls, Meetings, and Privacy

If your work involves frequent calls or meetings, focus on these areas:

• Locate phone booths and test them for soundproofing, comfort, and availability. Are they first-come, first-served, or bookable?
• Review meeting room options. Ask how to reserve them, what’s included (screens, whiteboards), and if credits or extra fees apply to your membership tier.
• Consider privacy in shared spaces. Can you take confidential calls without being overheard? Are there screens or dividers?
• If you expect to host clients or collaborators, ask about guest policies, sign-in procedures, and any limits on guest hours or frequency.

Wi-Fi, Tech Support, and Backup Plans

Reliable internet is crucial. During your visit:

• Run a Wi-Fi speed test from your own devices in different areas (shared desks, offices, courtyard).
• Ask about backup internet options in case of outages. Is there a secondary network or support protocol?
• Confirm printing, scanning, and copying amenities. Are there usage limits, extra fees, or restrictions by membership tier?
• If you need wired connections, check for Ethernet ports or adapters.
• Ask about tech support availability, especially outside of onsite team hours.

Security, 24/7 Access, and After-Hours Use

The Yard Gowanus advertises 24/7 access for members, but details can change. During your tour:

• Test the entry system you’d use after hours—keycard, app, or code. Ask what happens if you lose access or have technical issues outside of staffed hours.
• Look for security cameras, emergency exits, and posted procedures for fire or medical emergencies.
• Ask about staff presence after hours and what support is available if you need help late at night or on weekends.
• If you plan to work late, check lighting and safety in the building and surrounding area.

Amenities, Accessibility, and Daily Conveniences

• Tour the kitchenettes, coffee stations, and lounge areas. Ask what’s included (coffee, tea, filtered water) and if there are any extra charges.
• Locate restrooms and check for accessibility features (grab bars, wide stalls, gender-neutral options).
• Explore the inner courtyard—can you work there, and is Wi-Fi available outdoors?
• If you require accessibility accommodations, confirm elevator access, ramp availability, and accessible restroom features.
• Ask about mail and package handling. Can you receive deliveries? Are there extra fees or restrictions, and what happens to mail if you cancel your membership?

Membership, Costs, and Cancellation Policies

Membership tiers, deposits, taxes, and included services can change. During your tour:

• Ask if single-day passes are currently available at Gowanus, what’s included, and how to book. Don’t assume day passes are always offered.
• Request a detailed breakdown of monthly membership fees, deposits, taxes, and any add-ons (mail service, guest access, meeting room credits, printing).
• Ask about minimum commitment periods, notice required for cancellation, and refund policies. What happens to your access and mail upon cancellation?
• Confirm if there are any onboarding or exit fees, and how quickly you can start or end your membership.
• If you need flexibility, ask about options for pausing or downgrading your membership.

Decision Checks and Contingency Planning

Before committing, consider these decision points:

• Does the commute fit your daily schedule and budget? If transit is disrupted, do you have a backup plan?
• Are the workspace, amenities, and tech support sufficient for your work style and needs?
• If you rely on calls or meetings, are phone booths and meeting rooms reliably available?
• Do the membership terms, costs, and cancellation policies align with your budget and flexibility needs?
• If your needs change (more guests, more meeting time, different hours), can your membership adapt?

Before you go

A hands-on tour or trial day at The Yard Gowanus is the best way to see if it matches your workday needs. Test your commute, workspace comfort, tech setup, and access rules. Ask detailed questions about costs, policies, and amenities. Confirm day pass availability and membership details directly with The Yard’s onsite team or official website before making a decision.