Palace Business Centres: A Shared Office Space

Jessica Hunter

Barbara Pete, manager of Palace Business Centres located on the 14th floor of the Renaissance Centre in the heart of Erie, offers office space and services to their clients, while boasting an unbeatable view of the City of Erie, the lake, and Presque Isle.

The following Q&A is with Barbara Pete, manager for the Palace Business Centres located at 1001 State St., Suite 1400.

What is Palace Business Centres (PBC)?

Palace Business Centres is a shared office space facility which is fully equipped, staffed, and furnished and is in the Renaissance Centre in Downtown Erie. It is a physical workspace where professionals can go on with their working day and find all those extra services and the necessary support they need for their daily routine.

What is the difference between PBC and a traditional office?

PBC is an office space where businesses can enjoy flexible, affordable, and comfortable spaces for their business. Furniture is included so there are no move-in or move-out hassles. High-speed internet, a technology work center, a staffed reception desk, a fully furnished secure office, a phone answering service, and an impressive lobby all work to create a professional environment that enhances your credibility and image without the organizational hassles of having to manage all of those services.

Is PBC affordable?

Yes. There is a combination of interior and exterior offices in various sizes and prices, beginning as low as $595 per month. We offer suites with a vast city view as well as a view of Lake Erie. There is a café with complimentary refreshments and snacks available. Cleaning and janitorial services are included in your rent. We offer short-term flexible leases that can accommodate everyone's budget. The advantage of a business center is that your suite rent is a fixed amount and you only pay for additional services when you use them. It's like time-sharing the administrative staff and common areas, with no long-term commitment or hassles.

What services are available?

We offer notary services, court filing, mail handling, phone answering customized to your business, secure shredding, printing/scanning/copying/faxing, high-speed internet, and an AV Hub. We also offer day offices, meeting rooms, and boardrooms along with beverage service or catering as required. Additionally, we have on-site attached parking which limits weather exposure during the winter and having to circle the block looking for a parking space.

Can you compare PBC vs. working from home?

PBC provides a professional image as well as social interaction that just cannot be achieved working from home. From the moment someone steps off the elevator and is greeted by the receptionist, they are surrounded by a professional atmosphere. There are none of the interruptions that, inadvertently, happen at home. In addition to the atmosphere, you have the opportunity to interact with other business entrepreneurs. Whether it is a sharing of ideas or gaining insight and knowledge, this is an excellent way of networking.

Who works at PBC?

Currently, PBC's clients include lawyers, accountants, investment advisors, global logistics suppliers, and others who all want to ensure the safety of their data and computer systems, prefer to have a private space to meet with clients, or to have a zoom call where others cannot hear the conversation. We also have out-of-town customers who utilize the various conference and meeting rooms for depositions, conferences, training, and client meetings.

PBC is, unfortunately, a well-kept secret in the Erie area. Previously, I had been in the business industry for over 35 years and had never heard of PBC prior to my job interview. I was completely amazed and impressed by the entire concept. I thought back to all the times when I would have had an opportunity to utilize this facility if I had only known it was here. In August of 2023, I had the chance to become the general manager at PBC and I jumped at the opportunity. This is such a great concept and the clients and facility are amazing. I look forward to the opportunity to expand this business and help serve Erie's business community.

To learn more about Palace Business Centres visit palacebusinesscentres.com