Jones Day Set to be First Tenant at South Station Tower
Rendering Courtesy of Hines
Moving into a new place always brings an exciting opportunity for both the tenant and the landlord/developer. For the tenant, it is a chance to explore new features and possibly a change of scenery, while for the developer, it is a chance to see your hard work bear fruits and finally start making some returns on your investments. Hines global real estate investment manager and law firm Jones Day are the latest partners to experience this thrilling experience. Read on to find out the nature of this partnership.
Hines's global real estate investment manager has been leading several development projects, including the South Station Tower, one of the company's most anticipated mixed-use projects. Jones Day, a highly successful law firm, is set to be the first tenant of this project, leasing nearly two entire floors of the property, which will equate to 41000 square feet. This marks the first time that the law firm will be moving to the Boston area after entering the market in 2011. The lease is expected to start in 2025 upon the building's completion and will last for about 15 years.
Lately, there has been an increase in demand for best-in-class office space with the right amenities. Many tenants are flocking into new office spaces that offer modern amenities and thoughtful designs. According to the CEO of Hines in the East Region, Sarah Hawkins, many tenants are looking for spaces that deliver a differentiated and elevated experience to their workforce, and the South Station Tower offers just that.
As for Jones Day, the move to the South Station Tower is a testament to the firm's commitment to clients and Boston-based businesses, ensuring that the organization delivers top-quality local and global legal services. With a new office, the firm is looking to not only attract and welcome new clients but also foster collaboration within the community. The partner in charge of the new Jones Day office stated that the new location will enable the organization to thrive in an environment that fosters togetherness while still enabling the best ideas to thrive. With where the South Station Tower is situated, the new Jones Day office will be a premier destination for top legal talent and prospective clients.
One of the most interesting aspects of the new space is that it will not only provide state-of-the-art amenities but also ample space for employees and opportunity for future expansion. The firm is expected to occupy the 23rd and 24th floors in the office section of the building, which comprises floors 12 through 34.
About South Station Tower
South Station Tower is set to be an iconic building and one of the jewels of the Boston Area. Designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners, the project will be a 51-story mixed-use tower located at the heart of Boston's most active and connected transit hub. A mixed-use project basically means that the building will not be dedicated to either commercial or residential purposes and will instead feature a combined use where residential and commercial spaces can coexist. To this end, the South Station Tower will feature 680,000 square feet of office space and 16 floors of residential space.
The residential part of the building will be on the upper side of the property and feature sustainable development techniques. The residences will be branded and managed by the Ritz-Carlton. This section of the building was specifically selected in order to offer unsurpassed panoramic views of the city and the Boston Harbor. Currently, residential sales are underway.
Other than residential properties, the building will also feature a 1-acre private park 120 feet above the building that will be open to tenants and residents. With a modern, timeless design, this building will be one of the most recognized landmarks on the Boston skyline.
South Station History
Just next to the tower is the landmark and structure from which the building derives its name: The South Station. The station, which was opened in 1899, has, over time, grown to become one of the busiest train stations in the city. It is estimated that at its peak, the station served about 38 million passengers a year. However, following technological advancements and the invention of alternative means of transport such as cars, the number of passengers declined and, consequently, the popularity of the station. In 1962, the owner of the station declared bankruptcy. The station remained dormant until 1989, when it was taken over by MBTA, which opened it for train travel once more. Although it has been in operation for nearly 30 years, the development of the South Station Tower will bring the first exciting transformation to the train station.
The building's developers have made a significant investment in the city's transport system, and for good reason. South Station is one of the storied transport stations that is deeply ingrained in the city's history and is a core regional transportation destination. The proposed expansion will create an architecturally significant design that will not only enhance the public space at the train station but also the image of South Station, which is viewed as a gateway to the city. In terms of functional improvement, the expansion is expected to increase the transportation activity of the hub by approximately 50 percent, enhancing access to the train and subway.
The prospect of improved streetscapes with ambient street lights, new sidewalks, granite curbs, and lush greenery will undoubtedly improve the visual appeal of the area and, consequently, the city, resulting in a vibrant and welcoming experience for locals and visitors.
About Hines
Hines is one of the leading real estate investment managers in the Boston Area. The company operates over $93 billion worth of assets both for private and institutional clients. The company has several projects in Boston, but the South Station Tower is by far one of the biggest. The project, which broke ground in 2020 after the company received $870M in construction financing, will be ready for leasing by the end of next year. Other trophy offices in the area have been fast to lease, and the South Station Tower is expected to follow suit.
About Jones Day
Jones Day is one of the leading global law firms. With a presence across five continents, 40 offices, and over 2400 lawyers, this firm has established itself as one of the leaders in the legal service. The organization is distinguished by exceptional client service, seamless collaboration with different partners, and professional values that focus on clients' needs. The move to lease out South Station Tower is not only beneficial to the firm but also to the building as it sets and improves the perception of the project.
What More to Expect From the Project
Its ideal location and the fact that it is a mixed-use project, the South Station Tower, provides a great concept opportunity for residents to live, work, and commute all in one place. With other interesting and highly functional interiors, the project also features exquisite exteriors and easy access to the Logan and Massachusetts Turnpike Airport.
The tower can be viewed as an entirely new neighborhood in Boston since it will also feature a restaurant on the ninth floor and a private club on the 36th floor. Additionally, residents and tenants can enjoy an expansive sky park on the 11th floor. Creating a functional, open, and sustainable design that will make the occupants feel at peace has been one of the key focuses of the developers.
Since the project is a transit-centered community development, it will also feature major changes in the transportation hub. The design will feature sweeping arches that will give the train station an expansive look and provide an uplifting sense to the travelers on arrival. What is more interesting about the design is that the station will form the structural base for the tower above. At the base of the tower, separate from the entrance of the train station, the building will have a multi-level podium with elevators and shuttle lobbies that will provide a gateway to plenty of amenity space for the offices, residences, and other building space. This innovative design will help enhance the urban experience of the Boston neighborhood.
Effective building design not only focuses on functionality but also the aesthetics of the design. Incorporating existing historical and natural elements is the dream of any designer. The South Station Tower is one of the few building designs where this concept has been applied. The building provides a modern design while ensuring important historical buildings are also preserved. The move by Jones Day to lease office space at the building is a clear testament to the quality and the top-class amenities in the building. With a mixed-use space, a convenient and easily accessible transport system, and state-of-the-art special amenities, South Station Tower could prove to be the most interesting Boston building project yet.