Project Summary
Client Objective:
The confidential client needed to create a new and progressive (owned) campus to replace an outdated existing campus. A vital goal for the new property was to attract and retain talent in a competitive market.
The new campus goals included:
- Highly flexible workplaces in three separate buildings
- Strong physical connectivity across the campus to encourage daily collaboration
- Forward-thinking design and operational optimization
- Opportunity for employees to connect with the community through onsite volunteer events
- Unique and highly utilized interior/exterior amenities for events and for employee wellbeing
Project Details
Challenges:
The most significant challenge was the need to achieve entitlement approvals for the owner client which were counter to the city's recent "Business Corridor" design initiative. The city initiative intended to have all developments retain a maximum of three-story structures in the spirit of a low-rise Business Corridor. Our responsibilities included challenging this height limitation as well as creating a far more dynamic campus environment that encompassed more appealing and useful exterior hardscape and landscape solutions. The entitlement approval process required numerous presentations to City planners and the final presentation to City Council for their approval.
Results:
After demonstrating the significant improvement for the benefit of the owner occupier and the local community compared to the typical developments in the business corridor, the modifications and requested entitlements were approved by the City Council in a unanimous vote. The approval allowed us to construct a five-story building and a separate one-story building with a much different operation use. Further, the exterior site plan included a 2.5-mile walking path and several exterior decks which were accessed off e commissary and other event areas which were opened to neighboring businesses. The project was awarded Best Design and Execution in an annual competition among all commercial developments in the City. The exterior deck in the center of the development has hosted numerous functions for non-profit organizations and the property owners have received numerous annual awards for Best Place to Work, improving employee attraction and retention.
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