Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey McKinny.
Kelsey, can you share a bit about your background and how you came to be part of Downtown Works?
I’m the VP of Marketing and Operations for Downtown Works, which means I not only get to share the story of what makes this community special, but I also help shape the experience people have the moment they walk through our doors. Creating a true sense of community spirit is something I care deeply about, so this role has felt like a perfect fit.
My connection to Downtown Works actually goes back to 2016, when I first met our managing partner, Wolf Bielas, through the SaaS company I worked for at the time. We stayed in touch over the years, and in 2020, when Covid hit, my team moved into Downtown Works. That was my first real taste of the culture here, and I immediately felt drawn to the energy and sense of community.
I officially joined the team in 2023. When I left my previous company, Wolf heard I was looking for a marketing-focused role and created one for me, something I will always be grateful for. I have always loved working with startups and small companies, and Downtown Works is full of exactly the kind of people and ideas that energize me. It felt like coming home to the kind of work and community I’ve always been passionate about.
What has the journey been like for Downtown Works since launching in 2016?
Downtown Works began in 2016 in Little Italy with a simple vision: create a coworking space that feels as inspiring, warm, and personal as the people working inside it. Our founders wanted to build a true epicenter for startups in San Diego, a place where entrepreneurs could collaborate and feel supported instead of just renting a desk.
At the time, coworking spaces were pretty basic. You got a chair, an outlet, and Wi-Fi, but not much community or genuine care. That gap inspired Downtown Works. From the beginning, the goal was to blend beautiful design, real business functionality, and boutique-level hospitality so people would feel welcomed, seen, and known by name rather than treated like a key fob.
We opened our second location in Carlsbad in 2020, then Pacific Beach in 2022, and Mission Valley in 2024. Each space reflects its neighborhood, but they all share the same hospitality-first ethos that defines who we are. It has been a steady, community-driven journey, and I’m grateful to have joined at a time when the company was really expanding its impact.
What challenges have you faced along the way, both personally and as a company?
The journey has definitely not been smooth, but it has been meaningful.
In the early days, the team was bootstrapping, experimenting, and learning how to balance the scrappiness of a startup with the need for systems as we grew. Then the pandemic changed everything overnight. We rolled out virtual offices, moved workstations outdoors, created hybrid memberships, and focused heavily on keeping members safe and connected.
Competing with national coworking chains has also been a challenge. Instead of trying to match them at scale, we leaned into what makes us different: being local, personal, flexible, and human.
On a personal level, my biggest learning curve has been balancing creative work with operational responsibilities. I love marketing and creative strategy, but operations keep everything running smoothly. I’m very lucky to work alongside our COO, David Adato, who is an operations wizard and a huge part of why things run as well as they do.
And honestly, what has gotten us through every challenge is our staff. They show up for our members in big and small ways, from celebrating milestones to remembering everyone’s dogs. That “we’ve got you” energy is at the heart of Downtown Works.
Can you tell us more about Downtown Works and what makes it such a unique coworking community?
Downtown Works is a boutique coworking community built around hospitality, connection, and comfort. We offer private offices, shared workspaces, meeting rooms, virtual offices, and 24/7 access, all designed to help people feel at home while doing their best work. Our members include global companies like Dropbox and Wrike, San Diego startups like Trust & Will and Wellable, and solo founders at every stage.
What truly sets us apart is our hospitality. Our team knows your name, your business, and your favorite drink, and they go out of their way to make your day easier. People often tell us it feels more like walking into a boutique hotel than an office, which is exactly the experience we want to create.
We also host events, workshops, lunch and learns, and partner gatherings that help people build real relationships. We collaborate with Startup San Diego, AMASD, Six Degrees, and host groups like Defense Tech and TEDxSD try-outs. We support local creatives and hire member businesses whenever possible, from photography to partnerships management.
Our memberships are all-inclusive, meeting room hours are included with almost every plan, and every location has some of the fastest, most reliable WiFi in San Diego. Members also enjoy Padres tickets, concert giveaways, local business discounts, pet-friendly spaces, and beer and hard kombucha on tap.
Being locally owned and operated allows us to stay personal and deeply connected to San Diego. We’re also part of LExC, a global network of hospitality-focused coworking spaces, which gives our members access to hundreds of partner locations worldwide.
What aspects of the brand or community are you personally most proud of?
For me, it always comes back to the people. We have built a staff culture that leads with warmth, care, and genuine connection. They are the lifeblood of Downtown Works.
I’m also incredibly proud of the members who have launched or scaled their companies within our walls. Watching someone grow from a shared desk to a thriving business is always a full-circle moment.
After nearly a decade, what I’m most proud of is the sense of belonging that defines Downtown Works. It’s not the furniture or the amenities, it’s the relationships and the feeling people get when they walk in.
Is there anything about Downtown Works that might surprise our readers?
Many people don’t realize how integrated we are with San Diego’s tech, creative, and startup ecosystems. We were one of the first coworking spaces to offer rooftop workspaces, and our Carlsbad location has the largest outdoor coworking area in Southern California.
People are also surprised by how far our hospitality extends. Our team helps with move-ins, celebrates milestones, cheers on member successes, and always has treats ready for the dogs that visit us each day.
Dozens of startups have launched at Downtown Works and many now employ people all over the region. And thanks to our membership in LExC, our community is global, not just local.
At the end of the day, Downtown Works is as much a hospitality brand as it is a workspace, and that surprises people in the best way.
Pricing:
- Memberships starting at $55/month
- Open Desk 24/7 Access – $295/month
- Private Offices starting at $599/month
- Virtual Office/Mail Services – $95/month
- Meeting Rooms starting at $45/hour
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.downtownworks.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/downtownworks
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/downtownworks
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/downtownworks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DowntownWorks
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@downtownwork
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Life Effect Media
Photo Credits: hopscotch
