Chatham Works

Lindsay and Fred Bierwirth believe in the future of Chatham as a year-round community and are committed to making it a reality. In late spring, the entrepreneurs plan to open Chatham Works—a combination fitness center and shared workspace located next door to Chatham Perk. The building is 10,000 square feet, three stories high and topped with an atrium that fills the space with natural light.

For the fitness center, the Bierwirths envision an encouraging environment centered on health and wellness, or in their own words “a gym for normal people.” The layout incorporates areas for cardio equipment and weights as well as room for group exercise classes and a separate spin studio. The shared office space, part of a growing national trend, will be available for rent by the day, week, month or year, and will offer flexibility for small businesses, startups, entrepreneurs and remote workers. The business concept dovetails perfectly with Lindsay’s efforts as a founding member of the Chatham 365 Task Force to create a viable year-round community with more opportunities for young families.

The premature loss of their parents over the span of only a few years prompted the Bierwirths to reassess their priorities and focus more on health and wellness. After living in Hingham for several years, they relocated to Chatham—Lindsay’s hometown—to raise their two young daughters. The idea for Chatham Works came about serendipitously. While living on the South Shore, Fred took a particular interest in a strip mall in Cohasset. There were two businesses just a few stores apart—a coworking space and a gym—and he was struck by the potential synergy of a business combination. It wasn’t long before he and Lindsay hatched the idea for Chatham Works and found the right location in North Chatham.

The Bierwirths are a dynamic couple with complementary styles. Fred, who holds an MBA from Babson, likes to research an issue (he wrote a lengthy business plan for Chatham Works), while Lindsay likes to jump into action. “Fred is ‘think’ and I am ‘blink,’ says Lindsay. “He is my rock and I am his balloon.”