Less than a year after its most recent expansion, St. John’s-based Genesis is growing again by taking over the city’s co-working space, Common Ground Coworking.

Common Ground opened in 2013 on Harvey Road when a group of nine volunteers established a space where entrepreneurs, freelancers and creatives could work. Overseen by a non-profit organization, it became a startup hub in the downtown area, serving as a meeting space for such groups as Propel ICT.

Now it is being rebranded as Genesis Coworking, according to a statement released Wednesday by Genesis, Memorial University’s innovation centre. It means Genesis will now operate out of two locations near the city centre and offer entrepreneurs and small teams in a range of sectors another place to work.

“Common Ground is a place of inspiration, collaboration and community, and we are thrilled through this acquisition that the next chapter under the Genesis brand will build on that vision," said Craig Tucker, chairperson of Common Ground Coworking. "I can’t think of a better fit as we continue to support and help facilitate the important work that happens here every day.”

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After operating for more than two decades on the Memorial campus, Genesis last summer moved to the Emera Innovation Exchange on the edge of Signal Hill. The move tripled the group’s space and gave its resident companies greater access to downtown businesses.

Now Genesis will have a second base on Harvey Road, offering month-by-month coworking, fixed desk and private office memberships with access to meeting rooms and a common kitchen. The statement said it will enable Genesis to continue to help build promising and innovative companies in all sectors. It added that Genesis is committed to maintaining current operations, keeping the spirit of Common Ground alive and supporting the community it has created.

In the statement, Genesis President and CEO Michelle Simms paid tribute to the founders and directors of Common Ground for their dedication and commitment. She also thanked the YMCA for supporting Common Ground in recent years.

Said Simms: “Over the years, Genesis has developed a great working relationship with Common Ground, and we are happy to welcome them into the Genesis community.”