August 22, 2024 - JRM Construction Management proudly announces the completion of NBBJ Architecture’s new offices in the historic Flatiron District at 111 Fifth Avenue, NYC. This project, covering 26,780 SF, reflects a seamless fusion of the building's storied heritage with modern functionality, brought together under JRM's expert guidance.

As visitors step into the lobby, they are greeted by the original wooden floors, carefully preserved to honor the building's past, while new matching installations offer a coherent look throughout the office space. The decision to repurpose rather than replace extends to the vintage steel doors and storefront system, which have been ingeniously adapted to meet contemporary needs without the process of refinishing.

As a global architecture and design firm, NBBJ offices serve as creative hubs for the firm’s design talent and “living labs” to test new office configurations, amenities, and technologies. So, when it came time to create a new office location in New York, NBBJ developed a design strategy that would easily accommodate project and employee needs as they change over time. Housed in a former fashion office in the historic Flatiron District, 111 5th Avenue reuses materials and infrastructure, preserving the industrial nature of the space while reducing costs and prioritizing sustainability. 

The office supports NBBJ’s flexible work policy by providing a variety of spaces and seating, including bench desking located adjacent to team collaboration space in the form of couches or large tables, flexible moving walls, monitors, and pin-up surfaces allow design teams to engage in collaborative work. Abundant natural light, operable windows, wellness rooms and social and informal meeting spaces lend a residential feel and a more human experience to ease the return-to-office.

JRM's craftsmanship shines in the custom millwork found at the reception desk and the pantry, where the addition of an elegant island enhances the practicality and design of the space. This attention to detail is mirrored in the cactus lounge on the 11th floor, a refreshing green space designed to inspire and facilitate casual interactions.

The office's design celebrates the building's original features, such as the mosaic tile floors in the elevator lobbies, which have been meticulously preserved, serving as a historical canvas that complements the new design elements.

In the R&D lab, NBBJ's team develops their 3D models and builds mock-ups, demonstrating the firm's dedication to leading-edge design and innovation. This forward-thinking approach is epitomized by the Igloo, a 270-degree projection room on the 11th floor where clients can experience 3D tours of their projects, and the adaptable Unistrut system installed by JRM that allows for a dynamic display of project mock-ups.

Strategic updates to the existing Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Sprinkler (MEPS) systems were made with precision, enhancing their functionality to meet modern standards while integrating with the design. This careful approach highlights the collaborative effort between JRM, NBBJ, and MG Engineering to ensure the office operates efficiently within the framework of its original infrastructure.

Joseph Romano, President of JRM, commented, "Our collaboration with NBBJ has led to the creation of a workspace that not only respects the architectural legacy of the building but is also infused with the spirit of modern innovation."

The renovation of NBBJ's offices is a testament to JRM's ability to integrate contemporary design within a historical context, delivering a workspace that is both reflective of its heritage and tailored for future advancements.