NeueHouse, an upscale members-only co-working club, abruptly closed its three locations in Venice, Hollywood and New York City Friday, citing severe financial challenges. <\/p>\n
The announcement, which was published on the company\u2019s website<\/a> and social media accounts Thursday, came just two days after the company encouraged people to sign up for memberships in an Instagram post.<\/p>\n Members were ultimately given less than 48 hours to collect their belongings from the clubhouses. <\/p>\n \u201cAlthough NeueHouse has created an extremely valuable business that is prized by members and event hosts, unfortunately, it has been burdened by legacy liabilities,\u201d according to the post on the company\u2019s website, which was attributed to the NeueHouse board. \u201cDespite our best efforts to find a sustainable path forward \u2014 including exploring every possible solution to address these challenges \u2014 we have made the very difficult decision to wind down the business.\u201d<\/p>\n All three locations shut down at 2 p.m. Friday. In their statement, board members said they regret the impact the closure will have on employees and members, but noted that they believe this is \u201cthe most responsible path for all our stakeholders.\u201d<\/p>\n Jennifer Duguay was caught off guard by the sudden shutdown. She joined the Venice location in mid-August and paid for three months of membership upfront. <\/p>\n Moreover, she was upset on behalf of staff members who abruptly lost their jobs.<\/p>\n \u201cIn my short time there, I built meaningful connections with the hardworking staff,\u201d she said. \u201cWalking in the day after the announcement was heartbreaking. Despite being left completely in the dark, the staff still showed up with grace and professionalism.\u201d<\/p>\n Duguay said she never received an email informing her of the closure and knows of members who paid their annual fees just days before the announcement was made.<\/p>\n