More Than Just a Coffee Shop: What Third Spaces Are and Why Small Towns Need Them

You might not know the term “third space,” but chances are, you’ve been in one - and maybe even built community around one.

A third space is any place that’s not home (your first space) or work (your second).

Think:

Coffee shops

Libraries

Public plazas

Art studios

Beer gardens

Pocket parks

They’re the informal, welcoming spots where you can meet a friend, run into someone you know, or just sit and exist around other people. No membership required. No agenda. Just presence and possibility.

So Why Do Third Spaces Matter?

Third spaces are often thought of as social glue—and they are. But for small towns, they’re also part of a smart local investment strategy.

Here’s why:

They Generate More Value per Acre

Unlike parking lots or oversized strip malls, vibrant third spaces (especially those housed in mixed-use or downtown buildings) create more tax value for a town—per square foot. That’s because they attract people, support small businesses, and make walkable areas more desirable.

Every time someone decides to stroll through downtown instead of driving to a big-box store two towns over, that decision reverberates through the local economy—and the tax rolls.

They Encourage Foot Traffic, Which Builds Wealth Locally

Foot traffic is gold. When people gather in third spaces, they often linger. They might grab lunch, pop into a bookstore, or discover a new small business. This pattern of slow, local movement—what Strong Towns might call productive places—supports entrepreneurship, keeps dollars circulating in town, and strengthens the commercial tax base.

They Help Towns Grow Smarter, Not Just Bigger

Building more roads and subdivisions may expand a town’s footprint, but it doesn’t always add value that exceeds the cost of infrastructure. In contrast, investing in third spaces—especially in existing walkable centers—maximizes return without expanding public obligations.

More community, less sprawl. More joy, less debt.

They Spark Creativity and Connection

Let’s not forget the social side. Third spaces create low-pressure environments where ideas form, friendships grow, and civic life happens. In a time when loneliness is a public health concern, these places offer simple but profound antidotes: presence, conversation, and belonging.

Wicks Collective is working to build and support these kinds of spaces across South Berwick and the surrounding region. We believe that third spaces aren’t just nice to have—they’re essential infrastructure for a strong, connected, and financially resilient community.

Got an idea for a space that could serve this purpose? Want help activating one? Reach out. We’re here to build it—together.