The Open Space Initiative

More than 1000 alumni have joined Wharton San Francisco‘s Open Space program. Find the community and co-working space you need.

Open Space in SF is open; please check the Open Space Calendar page for time and availability. Reservations can be made on the Skedda page by selecting your preferred room and time. This page is also where new users sign up.

Coworking Space on Campus

Wharton provides the business knowledge and resources our students need to become successful — even after graduation.

With nearly 17,000 Wharton and Penn graduates in the Bay Area, our alumni entrepreneurial ecosystem is thriving. And we’re always looking for new ways to support it.

Our Open Space pilot program provides free co-working space on campus for Penn alumni when space is available. University of Pennsylvania alumni of any degree-granting program are eligible to apply.

A small group of people in a meeting room sits around a table with one person pointing at a whiteboard. A screen and another whiteboard are in view.

How It Works

Hours and Location

Open Space is located at Wharton San Francisco in Hills Plaza.

Current hours:
Monday–Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Fridays and weekends: Reserved for academic programming

What You’ll Find:

  • Modern group study rooms (GSRs) equipped with WiFi, screens and whiteboards
  • A professional, quiet work environment
  • Friendly staff here to support your visit

Please check the open space calendar for availability and booking.

Who Can Reserve a Space

We welcome reservations from:

  • Current students (undergraduate and graduate)
  • Alumni
  • Faculty

If you’re part of the UPenn family, you’re invited to use these spaces to connect.

How to Reserve a Space

Reserving space at Wharton San Francisco is quick and straightforward. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Check Availability
    Visit the Open Space Calendar to see which rooms and time slots are currently available.
  2. Make a Reservation
    If you’re a new user, go to our booking page on the Skedda platform and sign up for an account. Then, select your preferred room and time. Reservations are available for one room per person, per day.Reservations are limited to one room per person, per day, with a maximum group size of 6 people. If you need space for a larger group, please contact Wharton at wsf-frontdesk@wharton.upenn.edu to explore other options. 
  3. Wait for ConfirmationOnce submitted, your reservation will be reviewed. You’ll receive an email confirmation once it’s approved.

Need help? Our team is happy to walk you through the process or answer any questions. Just reach out to wsf-frontdesk@wharton.upenn.edu or call 415-267-6300.

Arrival & Check-In

We’re excited to welcome you to Open Space at Wharton San Francisco! Here’s what to expect when you arrive:

Location

Wharton San Francisco
2 Harrison Street, Floor 6
(Inside Hills Plaza)
San Francisco, CA 94105

Getting Here

By Public Transportation:

  • BART: The nearest BART station is Embarcadero Station. From there, it’s a quick 10-minute walk to our building.
  • MUNI: Several MUNI lines serve the Embarcadero area. For the best route from your starting point, check out the SFMTA website for up-to-date info.

By Car:

  • Parking: Paid parking is available at the Hills Plaza garage located at 25 Folsom Street, just a short walk from our building.

 

Hills Brothers Plaza has two main entrances. 

  1. Enter through the ornate double doors at 2 Harrison Street. This is the primary entrance accessible directly through the street. Upon entering, take the elevator to the 6th floor.
  2. If you’re coming from Embarcadero, Folsom, or Spear Streets, you can access the building through the shared courtyard. All three streets lead into the courtyard, which gives you access to the 2 Harrison Street lobby.

Please note: Some visitors find the courtyard entrance a bit tricky. If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to call us at 415-267-6300—we’re happy to guide you in!

 

Checking In
When you arrive on our floor:

  1. Ring the bell at the front desk. A staff member will greet you and let you in.
  2. Check in at the kiosk. You and any guests will sign in digitally — this ensures your reservation is confirmed and helps us maintain a safe, professional space.
  3. Grab your lanyard and badge. We’ll print your name badge and give you a lanyard to wear while you’re on campus. Please wear it visibly throughout your visit.
  4. Need anything? Our friendly staff is here to help! Whether it’s finding your reserved room, connecting to Wi-Fi, or just getting settled, don’t hesitate to ask.

Before You Leave

As you wrap up, please return your badge and lanyard to the front desk. This helps us keep the space running smoothly and prepare for the next group of guests. We appreciate your cooperation.

While You're Here

Guests: You’re welcome to bring collaborators or business partners who aren’t affiliated with Penn. Just remember, you must be present with them for the entire duration of the meeting, and they’ll need to sign in at the front desk too.

Quiet Zones: If you need to make a call or need some quiet time, please use the designated phone booths to avoid disturbing others. We want everyone to feel comfortable and focused while they’re working.

Room Reservations: If plans change and you need to leave early or expect to be more than 30 minutes late, please let us know. This allows us to accommodate others who may be waiting for the space. Your prompt communication is appreciated and helps us keep things running smoothly.

Printing: Need printing, faxing, or scanning? There’s a UPS store just two blocks away at 182 Howard Street that offers these services. It’s quick and convenient.

Package Delivery: For package delivery and pickup, we recommend using nearby post offices or private services. These options are just around the corner and ensure smooth, timely handling of your deliveries.

Clean Up: Please take a moment to tidy up before you leave by wiping down any whiteboards and returning materials to their proper place. This small effort helps maintain a clean and welcoming environment for everyone, and we appreciate your contribution to keeping the space clean for the next person.

Closing Time: Open Space closes at 4:30 PM, but don’t worry—you’ll have a 15-minute grace period until 4:45 PM to gather your things and wrap up your visit. We encourage everyone to make use of this time to leave the space neat and ready for the next person.

Need Help?

We’re happy to assist with questions or special requests.

Email: wsf-frontdesk@wharton.upenn.edu
Phone: (415) 267-6300
Office Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM – 4:30 PM