INTERVIEW BY CHRIS TIESSEN; PHOTOS BY CHRIS TIESSEN, WILSON COSTA & NAOMI KEMENY
Tucked inside a restored nineteenth-century landmark in Uptown Waterloo, Den 1880 is flipping the script on traditional workspaces. More than an assemblage of offices and meeting rooms, this regional destination is a thoughtfully envisioned blend of comfort, creativity, and community. In early April, I settled into a cozy nook at Den with COO Jacklyn Warmington to talk about how the space is reimagining work — and why it feels so good to be here. Jackie’s comments were illuminating — and inspiring:
FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T HAD A CHANCE TO VISIT, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE DEN 1880?Den 1880 is a destination for work and social connection in a restored historic landmark in Uptown Waterloo. It’s a coworking, meeting, event, and office space — but also something more. Den 1880 is a fresh take on community, culture, work, and life. It blends the comfort of home with the energy and dynamic interrelatedness of a vibrant professional space.
YOU’VE MENTIONED THE PRIMARY USES FOR THE SPACE. ARE THERE ALSO SURPRISING OR UNCONVENTIONAL WAYS PEOPLE HAVE USED IT?While the core uses are coworking, private offices, meetings, and events, we’ve seen some more creative uses too. Even companies with their own offices often come here for offsites or retreats. The space itself tends to shift people’s mindset of what’s possible.
WHAT INSPIRED THE CONCEPT BEHIND DEN 1880? WAS THERE A PARTICULAR GAP OR NEED YOU SAW IN WATERLOO THAT THIS SPACE ADDRESSES?Den was inspired by the shift in how we live and work post-pandemic. People wanted out of five-day office routines, high-lease commitments, and uninspiring workspaces. We saw a need for a flexible, people-centred environment that supports evolving work styles. Our goal is to experiment and adapt with our members to meet those needs.
THE NAME ‘DEN 1880’ SUGGESTS A BLEND OF HERITAGE AND MODERNITY: WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND IT?The name nods to the two stone lions at the building’s entrance — this is their ‘den’ — and to the year it was built, 1880. It also evokes the idea of an old-school home den: a cozy space for work, conversation, or hanging out. What the word ‘den’ connotes is exactly the kind of atmosphere we wanted to create.
THE DESIGN AESTHETIC AT DEN 1880 IS STRIKING. WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?Our aim was to elevate the best parts of being at home while removing what people dread about traditional offices. The space is warm, layered with textures, soft lighting, and intentional touches — like seasonal furniture swaps and evocative lion statues tucked throughout. It’s sophisticated yet practical, meant to feel fresh and inspiring.
HOW DID THE BUILDING’S HISTORY INFLUENCE YOUR DESIGN?It’s everywhere — from the period-correct oak floors and reeded glass to the tactile finishes. But we balanced heritage with modern needs: think modular office systems, cutting-edge AV, and a podcast studio in the old bond vault. It’s a tribute to both the past and the future of Waterloo.
WHAT KIND OF EXPERIENCE DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO HAVE WHEN THEY WALK INTO DEN 1880? I want it to feel like an exhale. That sense of ‘this is exactly where I need to be.’ Every detail — from lighting to scent to sound — is designed to make people feel cared for, so they can focus on why they’re here.
WHAT’S A SEEMINGLY SMALL DETAIL THAT MEANS A LOT TO YOU? The office walls. They seem like permanent structures, but they’re modular and designed to maximize light and sound balance. They offer privacy but still allow just enough ambient sound to avoid any feeling of being too closed off. We’ve reconfigured them as teams have grown, and it’s one of those hidden features that really makes the space flexible.
WHAT WERE SOME OVERARCHING DESIGN CHALLENGES YOU FACED? Finding balance. We wanted energy without chaos, coziness without drowsiness, heritage with a modern twist. Every choice required thought, and sometimes rework, but the challenges we encountered helped us create something truly intentional and unique.
WHO IS YOUR IDEAL CLIENT OR TENANT? People who work on laptops and live nearby but want something more intentional than working from home. That includes remote employees, entrepreneurs, and small teams. We attract a mix of folks — creatives, tech professionals, consultants, and lawyers — who value beautiful, functional spaces and community. We’re a turnkey space that’s ideal for unique events — fully equipped with AV, furniture, and support staff, so guests can focus on the experience, not the logistics.
IF YOU COULD HOST A DREAM EVENT HERE — WITH NO BUDGET OR LOGISTICAL LIMITS — WHAT WOULD IT BE? While Taylor Swift might be a stretch, the idea of live music or creative gatherings really excites me. I’d love to do more intimate concerts, for instance — ‘Tiny Desk’-style. A live podcast recording in Den’s professional recording booth, like a Leafs game night with Steve Dangle, followed by a watch party in the theatre and a live recap on stage. Something like that would be dreamy.
HOW DO YOU SUPPORT OR COLLABORATE WITH CREATIVES AND ENTREPRENEURS IN THE SPACE? A lot happens organically. Like-minded people connect, ideas form. We also sponsor events and host occasions we’d genuinely want to attend. It’s about creating value and community, not just filling a calendar.
WHY DOES DEN 1880 WORK SPECIFICALLY IN WATERLOO? Waterloo is this unique blend of innovation and approachability. With global tech companies, top universities, and local businesses all within walking distance, there’s incredible energy here. And Den fits right in — it reflects and embodies the city’s spirit and ambition.
HOW DOES DEN 1880 FIT INTO WATERLOO’S BROADER BUSINESS AND CULTURAL SCENE? We’re a connector. Den brings together people across industries to share ideas and grow. We also bridge where people are now with where they want to go — our space evolves with them.
HOW HAS THE VISION FOR DEN 1880 EVOLVED SINCE OPENING? ANY SURPRISES? We knew community would matter, but we didn’t realize just how central it would be. Real friendships have formed here. And people really notice the little things — the kind of details I thought only I obsessed over. It’s rewarding to see how much that care circulates and resonates.
WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES OR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? We’re planning to add a café, a wellness space, and a bar, plus expand our programming. We’re thinking holistically — how can we support people in their work and their lives? It’s about staying human-centered and always improving, looking forward.
D E N 1 8 8 0
14 ERB ST W, WATERLOO
den1880.co
