Major Redesign Positions Downtown Boston Building to Compete for Top Office Tenants (Dyer Brown)
The acclaimed architecture and interiors firm Dyer Brown has announced the completion of a major strategic redesign of 116 Huntington Avenue, a 271,000-square-foot Class-A office building in downtown Bostonâs historic Back Bay district. Completed in partnership with project manager Redgate and Shawmut Design and Construction for the client Columbia Property Trust, a multi-city owner of top office buildings, Dyer Brownâs revamp positions 116 Huntington to compete with neighboring properties for the best possible tenants.
With decades of experience designing commercial and office properties, Dyer Brown led the project team to achieve the clientâs goal: modernizing the 1980âs-style architecture to realize a simple, clean image and more effective, appealing workspaces. The project also illustrates the firmâs Building Services offerings, providing larger property management clients with on-call design services for the purpose of optimizing building value and minimizing vacancies.
Key features of the updated 15-story building include dramatic renovations of a two-floor penthouse, installation of two outdoor roof terraces totaling more than 1,500 square feet â exclusively for use by future penthouse tenants â and a striking transformation of the buildingâs lobby, entrance, and main façade. The penthouse design is particularly notable for its large, distinctive oculus window, one of the hallmark features of 116 Huntington.
“The strategic redesign for 116 Huntington positions our clientâs asset to compete for prestigious tenants,” says Deniz Ferendeci, Director of Building Services at Dyer Brown. “Elements like the penthouse oculus window and the frameless glass façade at the entrance delivers on the promise of raising the property’s cachet.”
Visitors and tenants to the redesigned 116 Huntington Avenue are greeted by an unimpeded view of the updated lobby through a 25-foot by 25-foot curtain wall of frameless structural glass. Improving the buildingâs curb appeal, this also floods the lobby with natural daylight. Adding to the bold new look are bronze panels and a new exterior lighting system that wraps around the buildingâs first two floors, setting it apart from its neighbors. Inside, the removal of the lobbyâs arched ceiling, combined with raising the ceiling and adding new, bright finishes, create an airier and more welcoming entry sequence.
Making the best of the buildingâs available natural light was a focus for the entire redesign, not just the lobby. Recapturing interior access to the distinctive oversized oculus window opened up and brightened the penthouse office space, while other design strategies reinforced the spectacular views and introduced plentiful daylight.
âThe oculus window also provides spectacular views of the city and the Charles River,â says Ferendeci. âThis distinctive element, along with a potential dedicated elevator bank and the two private terraces, helps to create a vibrant environment for prospective penthouse tenants in a breathtaking, bespoke office environment.â
Other notable upgrades include new finishes and flooring for such common areas as elevators, lobbies and corridors, and public restrooms. Surrounded by the Back Bay neighborhoodâs tony shopping, hotel, and dining options, 116 Huntington Avenue is also within walking distance of subway and train stations.
âWorking on 116 Huntington has been exciting and rewarding,â says Ferendeci, âand weâre ready to take on whatever is needed to help the client meet their goals. Dyer Brownâs Building Services team is looking forward to continuing our rewarding relationship with Columbia Property Trust.â
Recent successes from Dyer Brownâs Building Services studio includes the imaginative design of the two-story, 50,000-square-foot Boston offices at 60 State Street for tech company Criteo as well as a new lobby and amenity spaces for Synergy Investments at 10 Post Office Square. The firmâs portfolio also includes highly successful designs for retail and hospitality environments and academic institutions.Â
About Dyer Brown
Recognized nationally for its award-winning portfolio of architecture and interior design projects, Dyer Brown Architects offers a fully integrated suite of professional services including high-level building owner and corporate advisory as well as 3D concept visualization. The firmâs clients range from property owner/developers and end-users to global corporations and leading regional brands in such market sectors as workplace, retail, hospitality and higher education. Known for its unwavering commitment to both design excellence and client service, Dyer Brownâs 45-plus professionals forge long-lasting relationships with business leaders, building owners and brokers, and institutional leaders. Dyer Brown believes that buildings and spaces — the backdrop to our daily, shared experience — should always be inspiring, useful and enjoyable. See the firmâs award-winning work and a detailed overview at dyerbrown.com.