NEWS - Commercial Real Estate

SBJ Staff Report

Sept 26, 2011 – When times get tough, the tough get going…and they innovate for survival. And that’s what Ashley Bowersox has done by offering Savannah’s business executives a creative way to have an office and public presence, without all the resultant overhead. It's called ThincSavannah.

A commercial Realtor by trade, as the economy took a downturn Bowersox found a new way to make a living, renting 8,100 sq ft. of space in Savannah's Historic District and bringing a fresh, new idea for office rental space to the City by developing creative work environments for business executives and artists.

Bowersox launched ThincSavannah six months ago, creating workspace for local businesses that can’t afford – or don’t need – or don't want to commit to a long lease for - an office of their own. The furnished workspace with complete office amenities including phones and internet, was created to “redefine the way we do work,” according to Bowersox. Tenants can rent an individual, furnished office, or just a desk. It’s a popular idea around the U.S. in many major metro areas, but it was new to Savannah, and as he approaches his first six months since first opening at 35 Barnard Street, he now finds that he needs to expand. “I’ve got five commitments for individual offices,” he states, so he is working to expand into empty space he has under contract in the building by the end of the year.

ThincSavannah also offers a conference room and space to holds events.  Additional events space will be included in the expanded footprint.

The shared office space and overhead is approached with a different concept, beyond just less expensive office facilities. It’s about ‘co-working.’ he says – that independent professionals work better together than they do alone. “Everyone is looking out for each other, and sharing ideas and contacts. That’s the other big, big benefit.”

Bowersox has also created a new division of his company called ‘ThincArt,” with two new exhibitions that have opened this month. An opening reception for the public was held on Sept.15, and the exhibits will run through November. Shredded Greens + White Flags features recent work by accomplished artists Betsy Cain and John Spurlock, and ‘Visual Thinc-ers’ which will showcase the original work by ThincSavannah members.

Shredded Greens + White Flags features Cain's large shredded paintings on yupo paper from the body of work presented in her exhibition, in situ, now showing at the Telfair Museums' Jepson Center. John Spurlock displays drawings and paintings that employ a printmaker's sensibility toward image and word. Shredded Greens + White Flags is guest curated by Arthur Kouwenhoven, Jr. and installed by Casey Belogorska.

‘Visual Thinc-ers’ presents the work by eight current and former ThincSavannah members working in visual disciplines, including film, photography, architecture and design. Participants are Veta Bateham, Jason Bateham, Jim Wubbena, Sandi Rushing Wubbena, Shelly Short, Neil Short, Denise Grabowski and Lauren DeRosa.

ThincArt is an extension of Bowersox’s goal of bringing creative people together to work in new, creative ways.

“Coworking answers the question that so many face when working from home: ‘Why isn’t this as fun as I thought it would be?’ he says. “ Beyond just creating better places to work, coworking spaces are built around the idea of community-building and sustainability.”

ThincSavannah’s work environments cost as little as $100 per month through what he terms’ “memberships.” He offers everything from a one-day pass to a full private office. But all members must uphold what he terms the values of his concept: collaboration, community, sustainability, openness, and accessibility.

ThincSavannah currently offers 10 private offices ranging in size and location, stating at $450 per month, with 24 hour access, phone lines and internet connections.

He also offers ‘ThincDesks’ available for people who would like a permanent desk with storage. All ThincDesk members have access to all of the services and amenities starting at $350 per month.

Or, business people can become members for $ 250 per month where work spaces are shared.

His latest addition is ‘Thinc Hours’ where business people can buy 40 hours a month of access to a workspace for $100 a month.

ThincSavannah is located at 35 Barnard St., Suite 300 in Savannah.

Membership levels range from one-day passes to annual contracts starting as low as $100 a month. More information is available by contacting Ashley Bowersox at 912.544.1200 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by visiting the company’s website at www.ThincSavannah.com.