In Stanford, Community Works at BANGALLWORKS

When Stanford residents Tom Ambler and Steve Bruman learned the building across the road from their home on Millis Lane was for sale, they perceived both a threat and an opportunity. Previously occupied by the Bangall Whaling Company, the 2,500-square-foot structure at 97 Hunns Lake Road had stood empty since the restaurant closed in 2013. Concerned it might be demolished and replaced with something that didn’t fit the hamlet of Bangall’s character, Ambler and Bruman purchased it in 2017 and, in the spring of 2019, opened BANGALLWORKS Coworking + Community Building.“When we started, coworking was a thing, working remotely was a thing, but with COVID it became the norm,” Ambler said. Since opening, BANGALLWORKS has adapted to the evolving workplace environment, catering to the influx of younger residents moving to Dutchess County. “They want a hybrid work solution, they want a personal touch. We’re here to provide that. If it’s a little fun, that’s OK too.”

Residents of Bangall since 2014, Bruman works as a real estate agent for Corcoran Country Living in the Hudson Valley, while his partner Ambler, an architect with Fox-Nahem, commutes to New York City during the week. Their strong sense of community influenced their decision to focus on coworking as the cornerstone of their joint venture.

The rambling structure at 97 Hunns Lake Road includes a large common work area and two private workstations, which have been consistently booked. A converted Frigidaire cold closet, now a phone booth-sized office. The work spaces are brightly lit and feature comfortable office chairs, and internet connectivity is supported by a robust broadband package. “After a thunderstorm I’ll get a call – ‘Do you have internet?’” said Bruman. “I say, ‘Sure!’ and they reply, ‘We’ll be right down!’”

In 2020, Ambler and Bruman addressed the “community building” aspect of their business by offering the space for casual events such as potluck dinners, cocktail parties and craft fairs, free of charge. “Someone has an idea, and we have the real estate,” said Ambler. “We’ll promote it, we provide the overhead and media infrastructure, and they can focus on running the event itself.” 

Bruman shared how these free community events have sparked interest in renting the space: “An author went to one of the craft fairs, and now wants to host a writing seminar. We’ve had an artist giving lessons by the front window, with five ladies around the table doing charcoal drawings. It’s the nature of the environment. People see others doing things and it sparks their own ideas.” 

BANGALLWORKS promotes itself through social media and online aggregators, such as Liquid Space. The low population density of the area is a business challenge. Though most of their members live nearby, their coworking community includes people from as far away as Hudson, N.Y., and Sharon, Conn. Membership options range from $30 for a day pass, $250 a month for full time access, to $500 for private office space.

Stanfordville resident Joe Vassallo has been a member since the fall of 2023. “My dogs think I’m there just for them when I’m around the house,” Vassallo , who works in finance, said. He initially wanted a private office but found he preferred the communal setting. “I meet people, catch up on local stuff, and there are enough nooks and crannies I can always duck away for a private call if necessary.”

Tim Marriott, a local semi-retired operations management consultant, also finds it useful to have remote office space. “My wife works from home so this gives me another option,” Marriot said. “I can get out of her hair and focus on a project.”

Both Vassallo and Marriott highlighted Bruman’s constant presence and contributions to the positive atmosphere at BANGALLWORKS. Marriott said, “Steve keeps the place up, always making improvements.” Vassallo added, “He’s the common thread. Some people come by just to say hi to Steve. He adds a great vibe and a lot of energy to the place.”

After four years of operation, BANGALLWORKS has its own momentum, but Ambler and Bruman continue to host community events as much for their own enjoyment as for promotion of the work space. A favorite is the annual Scrabble tournament, which began in the midst of COVID. “We held it outside, out by the creek, and had barbecue and lemonade,” Bruman recalled. “As a surprise, we invited Robert Butts, the great nephew of [Scrabble’s] inventor, Albert Mosier Butts. Everyone just flipped out!”

The community roots of BANGALLWORKS date back to its very beginning. The company’s logo was designed by a renowned graphic artist, the late Carin Goldberg of Stanfordville. Glynis Carpenter, a noted photographer, provided images for the BANGALLWORKS website and became its first member. Even its signage has history, as the window graphics were applied by the person who did the same for the Bangall Whaling Company years ago.

These local touches are part of the fabric of connections Ambler and Bruman have weaved. “There are people who have lived around here for years without saying hello to each other before walking in here,” said Ambler. “They carry that new connection with them when they leave.”