Former Single-Tenant Property Rebranded for Multi-Tenant Use

Leading Stamford-based architecture and interior design firm MKDA, this year celebrating its 60th Anniversary, announced the completed renovation of 55 Post Road West in Westport, CT on behalf of joint venture partners Homewood Real Estate and ClearRock Properties. The renovations transformed the 1971 building, which until 2018 had been occupied by a single tenant, into a multi-tenant Class A opportunity.

“The owners wanted to reintroduce the asset to the market for a range of tenants looking for a fresh, modern and high-end working environment in one of the best markets in New York’s northern suburbs,” said MKDA Executive Managing Director Julia Lindh, RA. “The building’s blend of industrial and high-end features creates a unique Class A opportunity that matches or exceeds similar offerings in Westport.”

According to MKDA, interior renovations at the 39,000 SF, three-floor property include a new lobby, elevators, bathrooms and common corridors. Exterior renovations intended to enhance the building’s distinct architecture and expansive window line include a new entrance, landscaping and parking garage screens.

To create a modern street presence, MKDA in conjunction with Eric Rains Landscape Architecture first upgraded the building’s exterior by repositioning and modernizing its driveway with oversize stone tiles and planters, as well as new visitor parking spaces.

The entrance facade was transformed with a custom steel and South American Ipe wood slat canopy that compliments the building’s red brick facade. The team topped the wire-suspended canopy with a distressed metal cutout number sign and replaced the prominent green parking garage screens that flank the entrance with Ipe wood slats.

“Most of the building’s dated exterior features were treated with a more linear approach that easily modernized the building's overall tone,” said MKDA Creative Director Lisa Bauerle. “We were able to transform the lobby, which posed the biggest challenge, into a bright and expansive interior space despite garage overhangs and low ceilings.”

The design firm’s solution was to use a frameless glass and metal entrance door system with large sidelights to expands the volume and natural light within the lobby. The team then placed backlit Newmat ceiling planes along the length of the lobby and used neutral-tone porcelain tiles and Bernhardt chairs to add to the light and airy tone. Additional features include Italian hanging light pendants, Ipe wood and dark navy accents, as well as a branded “55” design.

“The MKDA team hit all the right notes with the rebrand of 55 Post Road West, and created a standout opportunity for Westport office tenants,” said Homewood Real Estate Managing Partner Daniel Denihan. “We are confident that the repositioning has strengthened the asset and that it will perform well in both the short and long-term.”

MKDA is a corporate planning and interior design firm that was established in New York, NY in 1959. The firm also has a Stamford, CT studio that provides corporate interior design services, and a Miami, FL studio that provides architecture and interior design services. MKDA has been named one of Interior Design magazine’s Top 100 Interior Design Giants, has been an Interior Design Best of the Year Honoree, and has received numerous other accolades and recognition. Client brands have included Snapchat, SoundCloud, Guggenheim Partners, Design Within Reach and Heineken USA, as well as leading building owners Silverstein Properties, George Comfort & Sons, Vornado Realty Trust, Blackstone, ClearRock Properties and Boston Properties. www.mkda.com