Built-to-suit in 1981, this 3-story steel-and-masonry office building was under a 25-year lease until 2005.
Vacant until this recent upgrade, the modernization project included redesigning the 3-story lobby space and renovating the restrooms and other common areas. Exterior lighting and entrances were also updated to increase curb appeal. The modernization spurred a master plan for repositioning the entire Bedford Office Park (where the building is located), including a revised lighting scheme, revised site signage, landscaping, and an improved parking layout.
Special Design Feature
The outdated building was not ADA compliant. Restrooms and elevators did not satisfy accessibility requirements. Elevator controls, call buttons, and lanterns were replaced to reach compliance. All of the restrooms in the building were stripped of their original finishes and redesigned to meet ADA regulations for stall dimensions. Fixture heights also were adjusted to accommodate compliance.
Design/Construction Challenge
The original lobby did not have sufficient lighting or a clear sense of entry. The existing monumental stair, a main focal point of the lobby space, was masked by drywall, which created a claustrophobic look and feel. Designers removed cluttering elements and substituted drywall with glass and lighter materials. They also upgraded the lighting scheme.
