Project
To assist Reading is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s oldest and largest children’s literacy organization, in the relocation of their operations from a 24,000 square foot space consisting primarily of private offices to a new open floor plan space of 18,000 square feet. The build out requirement included interior demolition and reconstruction of existing space to large open floor plan with perimeter offices. Additionally, a state of the art Information technology server room and large central work room for assembly of marketing materials and company packages was designed and built. The J Street team planned and constructed two large conference rooms, including one along the window line. The larger room can be combined to seat 75 people in 1,000 square feet for all hand staff meetings.
Challenges
RIF required a building which allowed an open floor plan to foster a more collaborative work environment. They also wanted to stay in the District of Columbia. Despite recent market downturns that had depressed asking rents, RIF found it difficult to match their budget with the realities of rents in the City. RIF, a non-profit, had a very tight budget and an even tighter schedule.
Solutions
The J Street Companies assembled an internal team consisting of brokers and project managers. The project management team was engaged early in the process and assisted in the technical aspects of the lease review. Architect Hickok Cole and General Contractor, Spectrum, Inc. were hired for the design and construction. With careful planning and management by the J Street project management team, build out was accomplished for approximately $32 per square foot, well within the project budget. This achievement allowed RIF to spend valuable budget dollars on areas that needed attention, such as IT infrastructure.
The J Street Companies’ combined forces of brokerage and project management staff demonstrated to RIF a commitment to finding them a wonderful location that facilitates their mission and then moved them in -- on time and on budget.