Case study · November 2026

From empty landmark to working community: the Center for Social Justice

The historic Postal Building in downtown Portland is now the Center for Social Justice, a home where mission driven organizations and individuals can gather and work together in flexible, reduced rate space.

We were proud to help bring it to life, from the first business plan to opening day. It was the kind of project we love most, because it touched every part of running a space: the people, the building and the systems that hold it all together.

Shaping how the space would run

Before anyone could book a desk, the space needed a clear plan. We collaborated on the business model, working out a mix of flexible coworking, dedicated desks, private offices, office suites and event space that would serve a wide range of organizations and still keep the space affordable.

From there we helped shape what daily life inside the building would feel like. We curated the amenities members use every day and drafted the coworking policies that keep the space fair and welcoming for everyone. When it came time to build the team, we created the job descriptions and interview questions used for hiring. We also supported the marketing content for the launch, and worked alongside the architecture and design firm as they carried out the design and build out of the space.

Making the technology disappear

Good technology in a coworking space is the kind members barely notice. We set up and customized Nexudus to run memberships, bookings and billing, so the team has one place to manage the business.

We then connected door access and printing to Nexudus, which means members get into the building and print with the same account they use for everything else. Behind the scenes, we built the IT network for the whole building and secured the WiFi, so members, staff and guests each get the right level of access without anyone having to think about it.

Finally, we wrote simple user guides so staff and members know how everything works from their first day.

A space built around its mission

The result is a space where the community, the building and the software all work together, and where the team can focus on their mission instead of the coworking integrations and technology behind it.

When community led movements have access to affordable, collaborative space, we all benefit.