Harvard, MA – Maugel Architects has had a busy year. The continuing trend of repositioning suburban assets has resulted in a flurry of new commissions for the firm.
The popular live-work-play lifestyle, so readily available in urban settings, is now being embraced along Route 95/128 in Burlington and Waltham, and in many office campus settings along Route 495.
Aside from attractive lease rates, suburban sites offer easier commutes, free and plentiful parking, and the opportunity to maximize lifestyle amenities. Companies are looking for “new urbanism” — urban conveniences in suburban campus concepts.
Designs feature young, modern, and vibrant workplaces, surrounded by cafés, after-hours spots, fitness centers, grocery stores, and shopping — more of a full-service destination than an office park.
“Our long history designing large corporate interiors gives our designers a unique appreciation for what makes America’s work spaces productive: being convenient, functional, and attractive are at the top of the list, “ said Brent Maugel. “It’s an exciting time in the suburbs, as corporations see how attractive building façades and refreshed common areas can be. We look forward to what promises to be another stellar year for a broad range of design opportunities.”
Maugel Architects is integrating all manner of employee-appreciated amenities into small central spaces called town centers. These include multipurpose lobbies, wireless iPad bars, grab-and-go cafés, fitness centers, climbing walls, conferencing areas, and “all hands on deck” zones, often adjacent to outdoor dining features.
With the recent relocation of GE Healthcare, Quest Diagnostics, Genzyme, and TJX Cos. to the Route 495 area, momentum is gaining. With continued innovative design, developers and corporate tenants alike are taking a new look at the repositioned urban-suburban commercial real estate trend that is certain to gain momentum.
