A fresh, modern renovation gives the Hanley Corporate Tower a 100 percent occupancy.
In renovating the Hanley Corporate Tower in Clayton, Missouri, Oculus Inc. increased the building’s occupancy rate. In an effort to modernize the space and make it more inviting for both existing tenants as well as attract new perspective tenants, Oculus completed the renovation of a new lobby, conference center, fitness center, admin offices, elevator lobbies, restrooms, and outdoor seating area. During the course of the design, the clients extended Oculus’ scope of work to develop building standards, include Tenant Improvement services, and design two speculative suites to showcase some of the available office space within the building. 3-D imagery and new designs are also helping the clients attract and retain tenants.
The reception area features a fresh, modern design. Image courtesy of Oculus Inc.
In addition to designing the spec suites and common area, Oculus Inc. also designed the management offices. Included in the management office space is a reception desk with sitting area, one conference room, a kitchen area with an island and two office spaces. The area was designed to match the rest of the work Oculus Inc. did throughout the building.
Oculus Inc.’s work on the building extended to the management’s offices, including this kitchen area. Image courtesy of Oculus Inc.
A large conference center was included in the renovation and is a common space for all tenants.
The new design encompasses the lobby, fitness center, tenant lounge with bar, game room and private wine lockers, management offices, outdoor patio, garage, tenant floor elevator lobbies, corridors, and speculative tenant suites.
The Hanley Corporate Tower is in the heart of Clayton, Missouri, the business district of St. Louis, Missouri. Clayton is thriving with numerous restaurants, unique shops and a variety of other businesses. The building itself is home to The Capital Grill and is within walking distance to bus stops and the Metro Link, St. Louis’ commuter train line.
Employee wellbeing was an important aspect of the new design, so the project entailed a renovated fitness center. Image courtesy of Oculus Inc.
Renderings were completed at numerous steps throughout the project and were used for both planning purposes as well as to inform current tenants of the status of the project. 3-D imagery was also created of the entire building to see how the new spaces would flow with the current spaces.
The building management and building owner had the biggest input in what amenities would be added to the building.
There was a great emphasis placed on employees’ health and wellbeing when redesigning the public spaces of the Hanley Corporate Tower. To help promote health and wellbeing, Oculus Inc. incorporated a fitness center and ADA-complainant locker rooms.
While wanting to make the building as nice as possible, Oculus Inc. was tasked with keeping within a very strict and tight budget. This constraint led to the team being creative in what materials they used. Calacatta and DI-NOC, two newer and innovative materials, were used in the lobby and other areas of the building.
To meet budget requirements, Oculus Inc. relied on innovative materials like Calacatta and DI-NOC. Image courtesy of Oculus Inc.
Calacatta, a very thin set tile that comes in a large format, was used in the lobby to cover the original walls. This newer product was used to help save money as it does not requiring demolishing the walls that were already there.
DI-NOC is similar to sticker material but with a much nicer look. While this material looks like wood, it is much less expensive than using real wood. This eco-friendly film was used to improve the aesthetics of a building.
In the training/conference area, tables were implemented that would be easy to reconfigure, making the space usable for numerous situations. In addition, a large closet was added to the space that allows for the table and chairs to be stored when more space is needed. There is also a movable wall that separates the kitchen from the training room that makes the space even more versatile.
The most unique attribute of the redesigned spaces is the high-end design without the high-end cost. Oculus Inc. was able to create a space that exudes luxury while staying within the confines of the strict budget.
The tenant’s break room features a bar. Image courtesy of Oculus Inc.
Yes! Creating a fitness center and locker rooms were specifically included to help promote health and wellbeing among tenants.
Technology was used throughout the training center. Wall mounted LCD Display was used for video with the ability to connect to cable or satellite. Eight ceiling speakers were installed. A 7” wall mounted touchscreen to manage all system functions was also installed.
The building’s conference area continues the modern, airy feel. Image courtesy of Oculus Inc.
While Oculus Inc. was not involved directly with letting current tenants know about the status of the project, they did provide numerous renderings throughout the project that were used to update tenants on the project. These renderings were also displayed in the lobby throughout the renovations.
The occupancy rate of the building improved from 86 to 100 percent post-renovation at top of the market lease rates.
Structural Engineering – LK Engineers, Inc.
The garage elevators extend the building’s cohesive design. Image courtesy of Oculus Inc.