Jones Lang LaSalle
Architects plan a home of their own
Friday, April 14, 2006
By CURT YESKE
Staff Writer
LAWRENCE -- An architectural and engineering firm that has worked on historic Trenton buildings, Hoboken high-rises and the Liberty Science Center is bringing a prime piece of commercial real estate back onto the township tax rolls.
Located in rental space on College Road East in Plainsboro, HACBM Architects Engineers Planners decided it was time for a change of scenery and is now creating a new home for itself at the old S.G. Frantz Co. property across from the Mercer County Library headquarters on Darrah Lane.
The firm broke ground in late March and the next day began partial demolition of the vacant Frantz building, a concrete-block industrial structure that housed a machine shop.
"We recently completed our 15th year in business and felt it was time to build a permanent home," said the firm's President Robert M. Mailer in announcing the start of construction.
"We are growing and beginning to become well known for total design capabilities. We were delighted to find the (Lawrence) property. Where else could an organization find 4 1/2 acres of shaded, easily buildable land, a block off Route 1, yet so close to the urban center of the area?" asked Mailer.
"The Darrah Lane property gives us room to grow and organize our staff and resources to more directly reflect our needs."
The project calls for removal of everything but the current building's foundations, steel frame and roof. The 9,800-square-foot building has been vacant for several years.
HACBM marketing manager Steve Heckel said new construction will transform the remaining structure into a sleek, zinc metal office building with burgundy accents, ribbon windows and solar shades, reflecting the firm's style and approach to design.
The firm expects to move into its new headquarters by mid summer.
"By acquiring the building, we not only have the opportunity to create a very special working environment for our staff, but we will also return the wonderfully located property to the township's tax rolls," said Emad Abou-Sabe, HACBM's vice president.
Heckel said the other site improvements include removing a small storage building, reconstructing the parking lot as an overflow area and putting a new main parking lot behind the building.
Most of the land, containing dozens of mature, 60-foot tall sweet gum and other deciduous trees, will not be disturbed by construction, he said.
Mayor Michael Powers praised the firm for its cooperative approach in working with the township.
"The building HACBM has designed will be a good neighbor to the surrounding properties and a wonderful addition to the development of this part of the township," the mayor said.
HACBM has been involved in a wide range of projects during its 15 years.
In Trenton, it was engaged to work on the historic Caola building at South Warren and West Front streets as part of an effort to preserve the early 19th century structure while rehabilitating it for contemporary uses.
Other projects of the firm included structural design for a primary school in Colts Neck, early childhood centers in Elizabeth, the Hoboken Grand and Hoboken Gateway high-rise residential buildings and the structural engineering for the addition and renovation to the Liberty Science center.
© 2006 The Times of Trenton
© 2006 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.
Architects plan a home of their own
Friday, April 14, 2006
By CURT YESKE
Staff Writer
LAWRENCE -- An architectural and engineering firm that has worked on historic Trenton buildings, Hoboken high-rises and the Liberty Science Center is bringing a prime piece of commercial real estate back onto the township tax rolls.
Located in rental space on College Road East in Plainsboro, HACBM Architects Engineers Planners decided it was time for a change of scenery and is now creating a new home for itself at the old S.G. Frantz Co. property across from the Mercer County Library headquarters on Darrah Lane.
The firm broke ground in late March and the next day began partial demolition of the vacant Frantz building, a concrete-block industrial structure that housed a machine shop.
"We recently completed our 15th year in business and felt it was time to build a permanent home," said the firm's President Robert M. Mailer in announcing the start of construction.
"We are growing and beginning to become well known for total design capabilities. We were delighted to find the (Lawrence) property. Where else could an organization find 4 1/2 acres of shaded, easily buildable land, a block off Route 1, yet so close to the urban center of the area?" asked Mailer.
"The Darrah Lane property gives us room to grow and organize our staff and resources to more directly reflect our needs."
The project calls for removal of everything but the current building's foundations, steel frame and roof. The 9,800-square-foot building has been vacant for several years.
HACBM marketing manager Steve Heckel said new construction will transform the remaining structure into a sleek, zinc metal office building with burgundy accents, ribbon windows and solar shades, reflecting the firm's style and approach to design.
The firm expects to move into its new headquarters by mid summer.
"By acquiring the building, we not only have the opportunity to create a very special working environment for our staff, but we will also return the wonderfully located property to the township's tax rolls," said Emad Abou-Sabe, HACBM's vice president.
Heckel said the other site improvements include removing a small storage building, reconstructing the parking lot as an overflow area and putting a new main parking lot behind the building.
Most of the land, containing dozens of mature, 60-foot tall sweet gum and other deciduous trees, will not be disturbed by construction, he said.
Mayor Michael Powers praised the firm for its cooperative approach in working with the township.
"The building HACBM has designed will be a good neighbor to the surrounding properties and a wonderful addition to the development of this part of the township," the mayor said.
HACBM has been involved in a wide range of projects during its 15 years.
In Trenton, it was engaged to work on the historic Caola building at South Warren and West Front streets as part of an effort to preserve the early 19th century structure while rehabilitating it for contemporary uses.
Other projects of the firm included structural design for a primary school in Colts Neck, early childhood centers in Elizabeth, the Hoboken Grand and Hoboken Gateway high-rise residential buildings and the structural engineering for the addition and renovation to the Liberty Science center.
© 2006 The Times of Trenton
© 2006 NJ.com All Rights Reserved.
posted by Jones Lang LaSalle NJ News Blog at 1:25 PM
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