Location, renovation, transportation.
All three are in play as Irvine Company reimagines, revamps and rebrands the former Airport Business Center as “The Launch.” The project features a pair of four-story buildings on the stretch of MacArthur Boulevard that fronts John Wayne Airport, one of Orange County’s largest economic engines with an annual impact estimated at more than $6 billion and 43,000 jobs.
That explains the location part of the equation, and leads to the current renovation of both buildings, each of which will be enhanced to meet the needs of forward-thinking companies and their employees, who blend life and work more than ever.
The buildings will undergo extensive improvements before reemerging as a 130,000-square-foot vibrant workplace community. The buildings are being re-engineered with start-ups and growth companies in mind, with an eye on creating an ecosystem of innovative brand builders.
The project features flexible workplace designs, modern amenities and award-winning architecture.
“AFTER CONDUCTING SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMER RESEARCH, WE’VE LEARNED THAT GROWTH COMPANIES VIEW REAL ESTATE AS AN ASSET AND EXTENSION OF THEIR BRANDS, A CRITICAL AND VALUABLE TOOL TO HELP THEM RECRUIT AND RETAIN TALENT IN TODAY’S TIGHT JOB MARKET,” SAID STEVE CASE, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, IRVINE COMPANY OFFICE PROPERTIES. “IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING OUTSTANDING SERVICE, WE VIEW OUR ROLE AS A PARTNER WHO WORKS ALONGSIDE OUR CUSTOMERS TO HELP ACHIEVE THEIR BUSINESS GOALS.”
The new look that will grab attention from the outside will be matched by interior renovations that will greet customers and visitors immediately, starting with a spacious, modernized lobby.
Another centerpiece of the project includes the addition of a dynamic outdoor workspace, complete with fire pit, complimentary WiFi, mobile plug-ins and soft seating.
Customer floors will include a collection of ReadyNow suites with sizes ranging from 1,500 to 5,500 square feet. There will be a customer lounge/kitchen in the common area for smaller customers.
A high-top table and informal soft seating area will anchor a customer lounge and encourage collaboration.
Additional on-site amenities include Java Hut, Union Bank and Bank of America. Amenities within walking distance include Atrium and Hilton Hotels, and Trade – an open-air food hall of visionary restaurateurs.
The reinvestment comes as the area continues to be a sought after address, with a vacancy rate that’s approaching single digits.
