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    Fresh Face: align.Space

    The iconic farmers and mechanics building at the corner of Market and High Streets is undergoing a transformation. align5, a strategic consulting and boutique investment banking firm led by Chad Williams and John Ratliff, is behind the exciting new development project.

     

    “We were looking for our own office space last fall and wanted to be in West Chester,” says Chad. After touring the space, the building’s beauty, location, and potential spurred a bigger plan that’s become align.Space, a new co-working, event, and growth company incubator space.

     

    “We are moving our offices here, but we’re also building a destination for growth-oriented entrepreneurs and business people in the heart of Chester County,” says Chad. “Our space will be similar to WeWork (a global co-working company) in terms of the look and feel of the environment, but our focus will be on delivering a creative space for growth company entrepreneurs to focus on building their businesses.”

     

    When align.Space opens, the first three floors of the building will hum with activity. High-growth companies, startups, remote workers, lawyers, and freelancers will all work and collaborate together in an environment specifically designed to foster creativity and innovation.

     

    “It’s going to benefit businesses in the borough, too.” says Chad. “More than 100 people will be coming in every day, and they’ll need to have lunch, coffee, and shop.” align.Space will offer private offices, meeting rooms, and open-plan office space for more than 100 people, and will also have a boutique cafe, video studio, and podcasting space.

     

    The team also hopes to work with West Chester University to provide a learning and event space that will bring students together with members of the business community.

     

    “The opportunity for people to have a dedicated place to work is one thing,” says Chad, “but it’s also important to meet other business builders—to network, share ideas, and create a community.”

     

    The F&M Building was acquired in 2013 by Myles Development Corporation, and the Myles team (lead by Tom Myles and Seth Gentile) has worked closely with the align5 team to make this vision a reality. In addition, align5 retained the talented Todd Danner,
    of arQitecture, to design a space that is unmatched in the area. To schedule a tour, book an event, or learn more about the space, visit www.align.space.