73. BEHIND THE DESIGN-- 80,000 SQUARE-FOOT RESTORATION

Transforming a long-vacant structure into a dynamic, multi-tenant workplace.

Not every project begins with a blank slate. Some begin with the question what could this become?

For our commercial team at Christopher Architecture & Interiors, this 80,000-square-foot space presented exactly that opportunity. Long vacant and largely untouched, the building offered scale, structure, and just enough constraint to make the transformation meaningful.

The goal was not simply to renovate, but to reimagine: to transform a single, dormant structure into a dynamic, multi-tenant environment designed for modern use.

Rather than altering the building’s exterior identity, our team focused inward. By preserving the existing façade, we maintained a sense of continuity and character, allowing the transformation to unfold as a more unexpected interior experience.

Inside, the scale of the space became both the challenge and the opportunity. Our commercial team carefully subdivided the open floor plan to accommodate three distinct tenants, each with unique operational needs, while still maintaining a cohesive flow throughout the building. Every decision was made to ensure the spaces feel intentional rather than segmented.

A key design driver was light. To counterbalance the depth of the structure, glass office walls were introduced along the perimeter—pulling natural light into the core and creating a sense of openness that might otherwise be lost in a building of this size. The result is an interior that feels bright, connected, and highly functional.

Beyond layout, the project required a full systems overhaul. Our team led comprehensive upgrades to the building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems, bringing everything up to current standards and ensuring long-term performance. These foundational improvements, though largely unseen, are essential to the building’s new life.

Materiality and finishes were approached with the same level of intention. Each tenant space was tailored to reflect specific branding and functional requirements, while shared amenities (conference areas, restrooms, a gym, and break spaces) were designed to feel cohesive and elevated, reinforcing a unified experience across the building.

An additional 4,000 square feet was constructed at the rear of the property, seamlessly extending the building’s footprint to better support tenant needs without disrupting its original presence.

For Christopher Architecture & Interiors, this project reflects the strength of our commercial practice: thoughtful, strategic design that balances form, function, and long-term value.

This is adaptive reuse at scale; designed with purpose, and built for what’s next.

—The CAI Team