Why Laundromats Are the New Conversion Target
Across American cities, independently owned laundromats are closing at an accelerating rate. The combination of rising commercial rents, expensive equipment maintenance, and the growth of wash-and-fold delivery services has made many neighborhood laundromats unprofitable. But the spaces they occupy — typically 1,500 to 3,000 square feet on busy commercial streets — are perfectly positioned for the next wave of demand: flexible co-working spaces.
The freelance and remote work economy continues to grow. Over 70 million Americans now work remotely at least part-time, and many of them are tired of working from their kitchen table but do not want a traditional office lease. Co-working spaces fill this gap, and former laundromats have several characteristics that make them ideal for conversion.
Why Laundromats Convert Well
Heavy-duty infrastructure: Laundromats have reinforced floors designed to support rows of heavy commercial washers. This means the structure easily supports any office furniture, equipment, or build-out you design.
Plumbing already in place: All the plumbing connections for a restroom and kitchenette are already roughed in. Converting existing plumbing is far cheaper than running new lines.
Open floor plan: Laundromats are essentially one big open room, giving you complete flexibility to design the co-working layout without demolishing walls.
Street-level with high visibility: Most laundromats are on ground-floor commercial strips with foot traffic and signage visibility — exactly where you want a co-working space to attract walk-in memberships.
Existing electrical capacity: Commercial washers and dryers require substantial electrical service (often 200+ amps). This existing capacity easily supports a co-working space full of computers, monitors, and lighting without an expensive panel upgrade.
Conversion Cost
A laundromat-to-co-working conversion typically costs $50,000 to $150,000 depending on the size of the space and the level of finish:
Equipment removal and demolition: $3,000 to $8,000. Removing old washers, dryers, and plumbing fixtures. Some equipment may have scrap value that offsets this cost.
Flooring: $5,000 to $12,000. Laundromat floors are usually commercial tile or sealed concrete. For a co-working space, polished concrete (cheapest, trendy industrial look), luxury vinyl plank, or carpet tiles in work areas are all good options.
Interior build-out: $15,000 to $40,000. Framing private offices and phone booths, building a reception area, installing a kitchenette with coffee station, and creating a mix of open desking, private offices, and meeting rooms.
Electrical and data: $5,000 to $15,000. Adding outlets at every desk position, installing commercial-grade WiFi infrastructure (multiple access points), and ensuring adequate lighting throughout.
HVAC: $5,000 to $15,000. Laundromats are designed for ventilation (removing heat and moisture from dryers), not comfort cooling. You will likely need to add or upgrade the HVAC system for a comfortable office environment.
Furniture and fixtures: $10,000 to $25,000. Desks, chairs, monitors stands, phone booths, lounge seating, and kitchen equipment. Buy used office furniture to cut this cost in half.
Signage, branding, and marketing: $3,000 to $8,000. Exterior signage, interior wayfinding, website, and launch marketing.
Revenue Potential
Co-working space revenue depends on your market, but typical pricing models include:
Hot desk (open seating): $150 to $300/month per member
Dedicated desk: $250 to $500/month per member
Private office (2-4 person): $500 to $1,500/month
Meeting room rental: $25 to $75/hour
Day pass: $15 to $35/day
A 2,000 square foot space can typically accommodate 20-30 hot desks plus 2-3 private offices. At 70% occupancy, this generates $8,000 to $15,000 per month in membership revenue.
Is This Right for Your Market?
This conversion works best in neighborhoods with a high density of freelancers, remote workers, and small business owners — typically urban areas with good coffee shops, transit access, and a creative or tech-oriented workforce. It does not work well in suburban strip malls or areas without a remote work culture.
Before committing, visit existing co-working spaces in your area and talk to their operators. If they are at capacity with waitlists, the market can support another space. If they are half-empty, adding supply will not fix a demand problem.
For the complete conversion process including lease negotiation, build-out timeline, and marketing plan, read our laundromat to co-working space guide. Use our cost calculator to estimate your project costs.