Insurance Client Madison Avenue Investor Group

Spanning more than 100,000 square feet across four floors of a National Historic Landmark building, this workplace renovation reimagines how a leading investment and real estate organization supports its people, culture, and evolving ways of working. The project consolidated previously disconnected teams into a unified environment designed to strengthen collaboration, streamline operations, and create a more engaging employee experience. Conceived as both a modernization effort and a new workplace standard, the design reflects a shift toward hybrid work through hospitality-driven amenities, flexible collaboration spaces, and adaptable work settings.

The workplace strategy emphasizes connectivity and movement, anchored by a dramatic multi-story interconnecting staircase that links teams vertically while encouraging interaction and visibility across floors. A range of conferencing, social, and collaborative environments were integrated throughout the workplace to support focused work, informal exchange, and team engagement. HLW provided programming, interior design, consultant coordination, and construction administration services, guiding the project from early planning through execution within the client’s broader building portfolio.

Delivering a contemporary workplace within a historic structure required extensive technical coordination and agile problem-solving. The integration of new HVAC infrastructure, AV systems, and structural modifications demanded close collaboration across disciplines, particularly as unforeseen conditions emerged during demolition. Simultaneously, the team coordinated expedited filings and landmark approvals, including submissions for the interconnecting stair and window replacements, ensuring the project maintained momentum while preserving the architectural integrity of the historic building.