In the Mobile Age, Hip Space Makes Working On-site an Employee Preference
At a time when many businesses use flexible commuting as a recruiting incentive, how can organizations that need their employees onsite – all the time – attract and retain the best talent? For Newark Downtown District (NDD), the answer lies in providing space where people love to work, and the non-profit’s new offices at The Berger Organization’s Military Park Building are delivering.
NDD recently took occupancy of its 11,400-square-foot headquarters at 60 Park Place. Newark's special improvement district of the central business area, NDD is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing downtown Newark by improving the economic viability of the city’s CBD. It employs more than 65 staff members in administration and in the field.
“In this day and age, many people want to work from home,” said Anthony McMillan, chief executive officer. “However, that’s not an option in this organization – our business is about finding ways to show how great downtown Newark is, so we need our people here every day. We set out to create a workspace that would make coming to the office the preference. And we have accomplished that goal. Everyone loves coming here.”
NDD’s executive offices occupy the entire 5,000-square-foot top floor of the 21-story building. A 5,000-square-foot basement space is also being used by the NDD’s Ambassador Program.
NDD retained Newark-based architectural firm DeRosa Group to design its interiors; The Berger Organization’s in-house construction team oversaw the fit-out. The design blends the character of the 90-year-old Military Park Building with modern elements. Exposed ducts and brickwork, high ceilings, pendant fixtures and abundant natural light create a high-tech loft feel; while white work stations, leather and light oak finishes, and Herman Miller furniture infuse a modernist tone.
Open work areas and glass-walled “huddle rooms” were designed to promote collaboration. WiFi and surround sound throughout the office encourage employees to spend time working in casual, common areas like the lounge, kitchen and dining area, and conference room.
“What we were going for was space that would, of course, bring people together and keep mood and spirit high,” McMillan noted. “It’s really a cool space. During the day it is light and bright. It also looks absolutely beautiful at night with our views of Newark and the New York skyline.”
“Berger’s construction team is phenomenal,” McMillan added. “They did a great job with the bricks and mortar. From an operational standpoint, the crew was highly responsive throughout the project. It quickly became clear that The Berger Organization is not just about property ownership, but even more so about service – and they do a very good job of it.”
Tenants at the 250,000-square-foot Military Park Building enjoy on-site parking, a fitness center, conference facilities, and on-site ownership and management. The property offers commanding views of the surrounding city, New York skyline and Military Park, where a multi-million-dollar redevelopment recently was completed. The property is proximate to Newark Liberty International Airport and major thoroughfares. It is within walking distance to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and Penn Station, which provides 20-minute NJ Transit and PATH service to midtown and downtown Manhattan.
