Every corner of our city has a story. Step Inside St. Pete is inspired by the impressive architecture & interior design within our beautiful, blooming city of St. Petersburg, Florida. Whether you live in Uptown, Downtown or any district in between, we love every style of St. Pete. Each month, we’ll show you our city up close and like never before.
For our October stroll through Step Inside St. Pete, we’re switching up the pace by taking a look at a commercial property that received a nomination for its stellar interior design. The hot spot? Rising Tide Innovation Center (RTIC), a coworking space on Central Avenue downtown. We’re meeting Ginger LaRue, its community manager, and Brooke Beeler, its operations and marketing manager.
The Office, Reimagined
RTIC was founded by a scientist, Leigh Fletcher, and a veteran, Tina Fischer, both practicing attorneys and entrepreneurs, who wanted to create a space for other business owners to have everything they need to get off the ground. After falling in love with the McCrory Hotel’s wood floors, exposed bricks, and vast array of windows, the team invested in cutting-edge designs for inspiration and productivity. They threw out the paradigms of cubicles and water coolers and opted for ample use of plants, art, color, custom furniture, an espresso machine, fancy water dispensers, environmentally friendly glassware, whiteboard walls, and touchscreen technology for all three of their meeting rooms.
Fletcher and Fischer designed the space themselves with help from talented local craftsmen. Much of the artwork is noise-dampeners in disguise from My Favorite Art Space. Their one-of-a-kind tables and desks were made by Stage One Designs. The illuminated glass-andmetal logo fixture at their reception desk? Kudos to Chroma Studio. Rain Forest Interiors supplied the finishing touches of “living walls” and hundreds of plants. Desk members and office owners personalize their areas with their own unique branding and décor, making the space even more dynamic.
Work with Splashes of Play
As you peruse around RTIC, it’s clear everyone stays busy and focused. Fliers promote a CEO exchange and a night of networking around the corner, inviting the public to be part of something bigger than themselves. Inspired by the quote, “A rising tide lifts all boats,” the team holds that when one succeeds, everyone benefits. LaRue and Beeler understand that supporting members’ success can sometimes mean offering logistical business help; at others, touches such as setting up meeting rooms with coffee and sparkling water for clients.
Rising Tide Innovation Center balances its cutting-edge designs and hard work with touches of whimsy, including the meeting-room names and attention to details with snacks. They’ve waited all year for candy-pumpkin season and put extensive research into finding perfect mini-pretzels and gummy bears. LaRue, Beeler, and the network of coworking members will welcome you and make you feel at home here. From 9 to 5, this office space can be!
