At Pizzano Contractors, we've had the privilege of working on numerous shared spaces, from office buildings and residential complexes to co-use areas. Over the years, we've observed a significant shift in what makes these spaces truly thrive. It’s no longer just about providing a functional area; it’s about crafting environments that support modern lifestyles—spaces that seamlessly blend work, relaxation, and wellness. These shared areas are becoming extensions of personal life, offering convenience, comfort, and connection.
As our team continues to collaborate on revitalizing shared spaces, we've come to understand the profound impact that amenities have in turning ordinary places into vibrant hubs of interaction and engagement.
One project that embodies this idea is the recently completed National Beer Wholesalers Association (NBWA) headquarters in downtown Alexandria. Our team worked closely with the owners and design team to create something special and affordable. During a panel at the BisNow DMV Market Update, Pizzano Contractors President Bob Pizzano Jr. discussed the office's extensive amenity offerings, saying, “Who would not want to come into the office space we built? It has bars, common areas, pool tables, even fireplaces. It’s really cool that people are coming to the office. NBWA wanted to create a space where people wanted to come to, and I’ll tell you what, it’s working.” These amenities reflect more than utility—they embody a lifestyle that values balance. By creating spaces where work and leisure coexist, NBWA has redefined the workplace as a destination employees genuinely enjoy.
Another project is The Link in Old Town, a locally owned premier coworking space focused on health and wellness. More than a coworking space, The Link offers a lifestyle-centric experience. With amenities like a sauna, ice baths, and outdoor workspaces, it supports not just productivity but also personal well-being. Whether you're breaking a sweat in the HIIT gym or unwinding in the sauna, The Link is designed to meet the holistic needs of today’s professionals. As a design-build project, Pizzano Contractors coordinated with our partners to ensure the desired experience was achieved while remaining within budget.
For tenants, the thoughtful integration of amenities can influence how much space they choose to lease. When a space is designed with attractive features and the amenities people want, it encourages employees to come into the office.
In the wake of the pandemic, workplace expectations have shifted significantly, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, health, and social interaction. As organizations adapt to these changes, well-chosen amenities play a crucial role in enhancing employee well-being and productivity. Incorporating wellness rooms, fitness centers, and outdoor areas doesn't just boost employee engagement; it shapes a lifestyle centered around health, flexibility, and connection. These features allow employees to embrace a more balanced routine, whether it's stepping away for a moment of calm in a wellness room or enjoying fresh air during outdoor meetings. Additionally, tech-enabled meeting rooms and coworking spaces cater to the evolving needs of a diverse workforce, creating environments that foster collaboration and innovation. By prioritizing these amenities, employers can make their offices more appealing and supportive, encouraging employees to return and thrive in their workspaces.
In other office projects, we've incorporated shared areas featuring couches, worktables, game zones, lounges, and patios. These amenity-rich environments provide employees with inviting spaces to gather and collaborate, giving a new meaning to the concept of coming into the office. According to The Washington Post, one-half of the top 10 community amenities involve bringing people together. Amenities offer an opportunity to design not just for function but for an aspirational lifestyle. Themed spaces and branded environments allow owners to convey their identity while creating spaces that resonate with the everyday lives of their users. This alignment of space with lifestyle fosters a sense of belonging and satisfaction
The success of these projects lies in collaboration and creative thinking. As Bob often emphasizes during a project, “How can we put these pieces together so we can get this done when it needs to be done?” Frequently, achieving this involves working closely as a team to deliver in-house solutions that result in the perfect environment for the tenant, complete with the right amenities. Pizzano Contractors engages with clients throughout the course of the project to understand their goals and tailor the project to reflect those aspirations.
Bob’s closing remarks during the panel discussion encapsulate the future of amenity-rich spaces: “This won’t be going away any time soon.” We anticipate that the demand for amenities will not only persist in office environments but also expand into other shared spaces, as these areas continue to evolve and transform.
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