‘Detrimental’ impact of COVID-19 leads to permanent closure of Bellefonte co-working space
Bellefonte was the perfect place to open a co-working space, but for Studio 1795, it was the wrong time.
Nearly three months after opening, Ellen Matis had to shutter the studio following Gov. Tom Wolf’s order to close all nonessential businesses amid the coronavirus pandemic. Weeks into the closure, Matis announced Studio 1795 will not reopen even after the order is lifted because the financial impact has been too great.
“In my opinion, Studio 1795 just opened at the wrong time — a pandemic is detrimental to many different kinds of businesses,” Matis, board president of Downtown Bellefonte Inc. and founder of Hello Social Co., said. “It’s just an added downfall that we were only able to open for two and a half months before it hit — before we really got to secure the revenue streams that would help us succeed long term.”
Studio 1795 aimed to bring the community together for co-working events, workshops and networking opportunities, and while the stay-at-home order will end eventually, it could be a long time before group events and gatherings can take place, Matis said.
“When we ran the numbers, removing those revenue streams just did not work — not to mention taking into account the financial hit as a result of many weeks of closure,” she said.
Downtown Bellefonte Inc. and Springboard were community partners of Studio 1795 and housed in the space, located at 127 S. Allegheny St. The closure will not negatively affect either party, Matis said.
“At Springboard, we teach aspiring entrepreneurs how to start their businesses, and how to scale, pivot and grow,” she said. “That’s exactly what we’re doing — making changes to adapt and remain resilient, while continuing to provide much-needed services to the entrepreneurial community.”
It’s at least the second business in Centre County to announce a permanent closure during the coronavirus pandemic. Mike’s Wood Grill and Bar, formerly known as Luna 2, closed in March, with its owner calling COVID-19 the “proverbial nail in the coffin.”
