Overview
(October 13, 2015, Washington, DC) — Steptoe & Johnson LLP has made a long-term commitment to keep the firm’s flagship Washington office in its current location near Dupont Circle, in a building that will be completely renovated. The firm has signed a new lease with Boston Properties to remain as the primary tenant of 1330 Connecticut Avenue, NW for another 15 years. Under the terms of the deal, brokered by CBRE, the building’s interior will be taken down to the slab and rebuilt in a more modern configuration with many amenities. Construction on the 230,000 square foot project is set to begin in December, with completion anticipated by the end of 2017. HITT will serve as the general contractor with Studios designing the interior space. The building will become LEED compliant.
Steptoe Chair Phil West expressed great pleasure with the arrangement: “Our soundings of personnel in the DC office confirmed a desire for a new, modern office space with a clean look and lots of natural light—and they all pointed toward remaining in our Dupont Circle location. Our commuting options are superb, and the neighborhood is lively, culturally diverse, and full of great dining options. Upgrading our existing space was a logical choice, and an exciting one.”
Highlights of the renovated building will include a new lobby with warm woods, two living green walls and an open staircase leading up to the second floor reception and new client conference center. The firm’s cafeteria and partners’ meeting room will be moved to the 8th and 9th floors to provide direct access to the firm’s large rooftop terraces. The firm’s fitness center will double in size, with an exercise classroom added for the firm’s weekly yoga, Kettlebell and Zumba classes. Communal spaces for coffee and cross-practice collaboration will be scattered throughout the floors. The building will be outfitted with new lighting, restrooms and eco-friendly windows.
In an effort to provide better efficiencies, office space will be streamlined. Offices for partners that currently range from 225 to 300 square feet will be a uniform 190 square feet. Associate offices will average 150 square feet. Office front walls will feature a combination of translucent and opaque glass to allow natural light from windows to flow into the interior. Most desks will also have the option of becoming standing desks.
During construction, the firm will utilize a swing space in an office building across 19th Street.
“Although the building’s façade will remain largely the same, everything inside will be changed to reflect a modern office environment,” Mr. West said. “By working in phases and utilizing a swing space across the street, our goal is for day-to-day operations to proceed with as little disruption as possible.”
Steptoe’s Washington office has resided in the 1330 Connecticut Avenue building since 1985. Prior to that time, the firm’s main office was also located in the Dupont Circle area.
About Steptoe
Steptoe & Johnson LLP is an international law firm widely recognized for vigorous advocacy in complex litigation and arbitration, successful representation of clients before governmental agencies, and creative and practical advice in guiding business transactions. The firm has more than 500 lawyers and other professionals in offices in Beijing, Brussels, Century City, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, Palo Alto, Phoenix and Washington. For more information, visit www.steptoe.com.
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| Main Lobby Rendering |