FOUNDING STORY
When, 10 years ago, we walked into IBM's typewriter factory, abandoned for more than a decades, we had no idea, that this place, would become the place it is. A desolate concrete block. In a sleepy part of town. Which according to many an Amsterdammer was out of direction. Is now a directional and vibrant place that draws people. Little did we know then that we would gain thousands of members. That we were going to become the largest padel club in Amsterdam. And were even going to develop a residential neighborhood. All we knew then is that we didn't see square meters, but growth. Growth with no end goal. Unlimited. Organic. A place where ideas and initiatives can proliferate and where people will find each other. We have grand plans and dreams. But we fortunately have no idea where we will be in 10 years.
That it is here ... we know that for sure.
After starting in 2014, the second property (B.2) was added to the B. concept in 2016 and the third property in 2017 (B.3). We call the properties B.1, B.2 and B.3. In total, B. now consists of 40,000 m2 for offices, workplaces and events and 24,000 m2 of smart city hub, where there is room for logistics parties and urban farming, for example.
We call our now more than 250 different tenants members, because we offer more than just a place to work. There are many lounges and common areas where you can bump into other members or meet new people.
Each property is unique and provides a different energy with a different history. An industrial property more than 50 years old, a failed project 10 years old that we put new energy into and the third property, with influences from Japan and the fashion industry.
B. Amsterdam was one of the first coworking concepts in the Netherlands. A placemaker for the Riekerpolder as an attractive place to locate a business.
The B. refers to the bee or a beehive, which is seen worldwide as an indicator of our ecosystem. If the bee is doing badly, our environment is doing badly. Not entirely coincidentally, the B in the logo of IBM, the original owner of the property, was also a bee. This logo was still visible on the property.
The B. stands for 'plan B' rather than 'plan A'; doing things differently than usual. The B. can also stand for "business" or "building. We don't really care which explanation is chosen. B. Amsterdam is now a household name and often serves (also internationally) as an example of how to build a successful community. And we are proud of that.
MANIFEST
We knew that right away when we first stood here. We built B. Amsterdam on that feeling. On ambitions and dreams. On impossible ideas. On ideas that are just beginning, that grow and that change everything.
From startups, scaleups and corporates. Ideas from founders, collaborators and single-person entrepreneurs. Of tech pioneers and do-gooders. Of dancing copywriters and singing cleaners. Of those who visited us briefly and those with whom we have grown close. To ideas that grow organically and color outside the lines. That proliferate.
On the idea that different should be our normal. And that this brings like-minded people together. We are built on the idea that people make up places and places make up people. That you should be able to make a place your own. And that if you allow others in it, you grow. That you can fall and stand up here, but most of all, that you celebrate successes here. And that this success tastes better when you can celebrate it together. On the idea that work gets better when it doesn't feel like work. That here you feel the space to dream. That this is where it will happen for you. Short- or long-term.
Here everything is makeable, movable and degradable. To the idea that this place is never finished. That we are never done making this place what it is, because it is always in motion. We are built on the idea that all this, only in this place is possible. On the idea that this piece of Amsterdam is ours. To you. This must be the place.
That principle has been woven into B since day one. "If the building is not in the city, we must create a city in a building," the founders said. Ten years later, that's exactly what B. has become: a place where work, leisure and community blend effortlessly. From hospitality to sports facilities and everything in between. And have you discovered all that? Then it's time to meet your neighbors. Because at B. you'll never run out of things to do.
Call it a bar, bistro or your second living room. At Bar Bistro Bureau you'll enjoy fresh lunches, appetizers and dinners prepared by our chef. Located on B. Amsterdam's verdant rooftop terrace, it's the perfect place to relax, catch up or celebrate together. With bocce court and DJ booth, Bureau is the place where work and pleasure come together.
Padel is alive and well at B. Amsterdam. With twelve indoor courts, this is the place for sports and energy. Play with colleagues, find a padel buddy via the community app or come in the evening with friends. Members play for free during off-peak hours and non-members are also welcome. B. Padel brings exercise, fun and connection together under one roof.
At the gym, you work on strength and energy your way. Train on your own, take group classes or challenge yourself in a HIIT or boxing class. The gym is open to everyone and B. members exercise at a discount. An inspiring place to exercise, recharge and get back to work sharp.
Golf, but just a little different. In GoGolf's indoor golf bays, practice your swing with the latest TrackMan simulators or play a match with colleagues. A unique sports experience in the middle of B. Amsterdam, where work, relaxation and fun come together effortlessly.
As you enter B.1 you'll find STACH, the place for a fresh coffee, quick lunch or healthy snack. Ideal for catching up or working with a good cappuccino within reach. A regular stop for anyone who wants to break up their day with taste.
De Huismeesters bring coffee, lunch and conviviality to B. Amsterdam every day. You'll find them in B.2 and B.3 for a quick to-go or a moment in the lounge. They know your name and make every break feel like a little pick-me-up in your workday.
We too had a brand movie made that, as it should be, features the words "inspiring," "community" and "energy. And about 5 to 10 more buzzwords that sound good.
What does matter? That you never get bored at B. Get your work done, but remember that sitting for 8 hours does no one any good. That a walk around the block, a game of paddle ball, an appointment at the physio or coffee with a colleague sometimes brings more inspiration than most meetings.
Renting at B. means you never have to walk far for new inspiration or energy. Whether it's because of the 100,000 event-goers who roam here annually, the ability to do your call on the rooftop terrace or the pt class you schedule at the end of the day. You find what works for you.
B. Amsterdam is led by a team of 18 colleagues. These are the facility managers, community managers, event managers and the finance and creative department. On our 40,000 m2, spread over 3 buildings, you can work, attend events, exercise, eat, drink and for example go to the physio.
Together we ensure that our members, customers and partners are happy. That together we build a company we can be proud of. Stop by for a chat and see if we can build together!
