New HQ At Jersey Shore Embraces Back to Office Vibe

When Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. (Partner), an engineering, environmental and energy consulting firm, set out to design a new East Coast headquarters, they seized the opportunity to design a workplace that would make their more than onsite employees look forward to being in the office and encourage remote workers to spend more time onsite. After a two-year renovation, the new office opens this week in a former industrial building in historic Asbury Park, New Jersey. The transformed workspace not only blends original features with modern functionality but also reaffirms Partner's dedication to creating an exceptional in-office experience where employees can thrive together.

Besides its proximity to its former location in Eatontown, New Jersey, Partner selected Asbury Park for its appealing amenities as well as its "cool factor." The choice to renovate an old industrial building reflects a desire to invest in the community and plug into the revitalization of Asbury Park.

For Frank S. Romeo, Jr., President of Partner and a New Jersey native, the acquisition of a new home for Partner's regional headquarters in Asbury Park resonates on both a professional and a personal level: "The renovation and reinvention of the Rogers Building was truly a labor of love. Investing in the Asbury Park business community reflects our strong commitment to establishing long-term roots in Asbury Park's revitalization. This building will provide a collaborative, modern workspace that allows our team plenty of opportunity to interact, and that interaction among professionals at all experience levels creates a community and fosters professional growth. Our employees are excited to return to the office, especially in an area with a thriving downtown, famous for its music and arts history. Many of our staff live locally and can now walk, bike, or take NJ Transit to work, and our whole NYC suburban workforce can enjoy the proximity to the beach, the boardwalk—it's just a cool place to work."

The 18,000-square-foot, three-story office building at 929 Asbury Ave. was designed with Partner's workforce in mind. It includes private offices, conference rooms, flexible workstations, and numerous amenities to support employee collaboration and well-being. The new space offers places to gather, collaborate closely on projects, and connect in person for mentorship and learning.

Joseph Derhake, PE, Chief Executive Officer of Partner, said, "Restoring and preserving the industrial roots of the building while simultaneously creating an office environment tailored for today's workforce required the precise skills and talent for which Partner's team is widely recognized – in this case, not for a client, but for our own workspace. The collaborative vision, input, and contributions by the very people set to occupy the building ensured that a dynamic and fun, yet productive and inspiring environment was delivered for today and into the future as we grow. Partner is committed to leading the next business cycle, and by establishing this impressive regional HQ, we're attracting remote workers back to the office. Moreover, we're investing in Monmouth County, a great hub for local talent."

Originally built by local businessperson A.E. Rogers in the late 19th century as a furniture warehouse and showroom, the property at the corner of Asbury and Langford Avenues sits just one mile from the beach. The legacy of the building's original owner, the Rogers family, continues to thrive today. When Partner began renovating the property in August 2023, they discovered that the project's original construction superintendent was a direct descendant of the Rogers family, highlighting the enduring influence of the family's history on the building.

Highlights include:

Collaborative Spaces: The building is filled with light, thanks to the 84 windows now adorning the structure, compared to the original 16. The light-filled space combines private offices, conference and meeting space, flexible workstations, and amenities.
Sustainable Design: Partner Energy, a division of Partner, collaborated on design and building system commissioning to achieve Green Globes certification, ensuring efficient energy and water consumption.
Large Kitchen and Common Areas: Roll-up ground-level doors provide an open-air kitchen and entertainment area, complete with a shuffleboard table, which flows into a large patio with additional seating. The second and third floors have smaller kitchen and break areas. There is a large balcony/deck on the second floor as well.
Historic Character: Partner chose to maintain the character of the building. This included preserving original exposed brick in interiors and installing a double-stringer staircase in the former freight elevator shaft, which now serves as a stunning architectural feature within the space. The space includes salvaged levers, counterweights, and doors from the freight elevators that have been used as decorative industrial accents.

Given the building's advanced age, innovative approaches were needed to preserve its original structure. Close collaboration between the design, engineering, and construction teams – with Parallel Architectural Group serving as the architect – was critical. Partner's in-house construction management oversaw the project, ensuring deadlines were met and solving challenges on-site. Partner's civil engineering team also navigated the city's planning and permitting processes, while zoning and environmental teams assisted with the acquisition.

The extensive renovation and modernization of the building over the past two years, and the engagement of its team to bring the new headquarters to life, represent Partner's unwavering commitment to being a great home for talented professionals and a leader in the return-to-office movement.

NOT FOR REPRINT

Richard Russoman, Jr., is Managing Director of Construction Services at Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. With over 20 years of experience in construction management, owner’s representation, and as a general contractor, Mr. Russoman has extensive knowledge of construction practices, including new builds, redevelopment, and renovation projects. His expertise is focused on risk management and quality control, and encompasses all phases of construction from including documentation, schedule and budgeting, project execution, and closing. He is experienced with commercial and residential projects as well as specialty sectors such as universities, K-12 campuses, and laboratory facilities.