September 29, 2014

25 Ottawa’s Redevelopment Focuses on Vibrancy & Hospitality

Grand Rapids Business Journal’s Charlsie Dewey highlights Wright Heerema Architects’ redevelopment project at 25 Ottawa.

WHA helped building owners, Franklin Partners, reposition 25 Ottawa with a fresh new look to fit Grand Rapids’ growing metropolitan area. What once lacked user-friendly features now includes a renovated façade, a fresh lobby and tenant-desired amenities.

The entryway is framed with a four-story glass façade and is lit from below to create a vibrant feel at street level. The entry incorporates the building’s newly-branded “Twenty 5” messaging. It was completely relocated and positioned in-line with the attached skywalk, offering natural sunlight that was previously hidden by large awnings. These updates supported future retailers and a restaurant.

“I think retailers and restaurateurs are interested in being able to see into their space so it looks active and people feel that it’s inviting,” he said. “We are changing the storefront: The awnings are coming off and it’s going to be lighter and brighter, and easier to have visibility to the interior of the building. By redeveloping this first level, it’s going to be different and really focused on the transparency into those spaces.”

Additional upgrades include new elevator finishes, first floor window replacements, a state-of-the-art fitness center, conference rooms, a Wi-Fi lounge, and reimagined interior spaces to offer tenant collaboration and a sense of community.

Read the full piece here.