By Olivia DeWan, contributor
Tucked away in private enclaves, desks invite focus. Lounge chairs foster collaboration among colleagues, while conference rooms buzz with fresh ideas.
“The Innovation Hub was built for people who get things done,” said Peter Denbigh, founder of the Harrisonburg Innovation Hub. “Entrepreneurs, creatives and professionals need more than just a desk; they need an environment that drives focus, execution and results.”
On Feb. 27, the Harrisonburg Innovation Hub celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, inviting anyone interested in the establishment to explore the three floors of workspaces.
“It was a moment of celebration and validation,” Denbigh said. “After years of effort, seeing the community come together to launch this space was incredible. More than anything, it reinforced that this project was worth the fight.”
The Innovation Hub has three floors with private offices and focus rooms, sound-resistant walls and doors, a mailroom and 5,000 square feet of common space.
“It’s designed for maximum flexibility and efficiency,” Denbigh said. “We offer private offices, coworking desks and meeting spaces, all with high-speed internet, 24/7 access and an environment optimized for execution. It’s a high-performance work environment where serious professionals come to produce results.”
The facility features a variety of specialized rooms designed to enhance productivity and well-being. Focus rooms provide small, private spaces for individuals to concentrate on their work for short periods. Conference rooms are equipped with long tables and ample seating, ideal for accommodating large groups. Wellness rooms offer a quiet retreat from the bustle of daily life, serving as a space for relaxation or even a quick nap.
Access to the Innovation Hub is based on membership. Potential members can tour the space, pick a membership level that fits their needs and sign up online. All membership levels are on a month-to-month basis to allow for flexibility.
“Harrisonburg already has talent, ambition and great ideas. What was missing was a space designed to convert that energy into action,” Denbigh said. “The Innovation Hub gives entrepreneurs, remote workers and growing companies the tools to execute faster and scale smarter.”
To get involved with the local community, the Harrisonburg Innovation Hub partnered with James Madison University, historic tax credits and CPACE financing to execute Denbigh’s vision for the space.
“We spent time talking to local entrepreneurs, remote workers and small businesses about their biggest pain points,” Denbigh said. “They needed a space built for execution, where distractions disappear, networking happens organically and getting into deep work is effortless.”
The Innovation Hub is located where the Wetsel Seed Building once stood. During construction, several elements of the original building were preserved to create a homey feel. For example, original tile remains on the ceiling, and old woodwork from the factory is placed in several sections of the hub.
“We needed a location that matched our vision—central, historic and built for impact,” Denbigh said. “The former Wetsel Seed Building had the character, size and layout to support a high-output, high-performance work environment. The downtown location means members can meet clients, collaborate and tap into the energy of Harrisonburg’s business community.”
Denbigh said the real credit goes to the “incredible” architects, designers, builders and business minds who made the hub happen. He said his team fought through unexpected construction hurdles, financial complexities and the challenges of adapting a historic structure for modern business needs.
“The ribbon cutting event was just the beginning,” Denbigh said at the February event, which attracted about 120 people. “Now, we prove why the Harrisonburg Innovation Hub is the most productive space in the Shenandoah Valley. We expect to see game-changing startups, breakthrough ideas and businesses scaling at record speed, all because of the environment we’ve built here.”
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