A leader in a relationship-driven industry, Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck needed new office space during the pandemic that would allow the firm to stick to its core values while adapting to a new hybrid reality for its workforce. The result is a sustainable, amenity-laden office space that honors its Colorado roots.
Brownstein completed its office move to Block 162 in Denver last year, now occupying about 100,000 square feet as the building’s largest tenant. Block 162 is a 30-story, 596,295-square-foot, Class A office building built by Patrinely Group, certified LEED Gold Core and Shell. Brownstein’s project and move was the largest tenant improvement project and relocation in Denver in 2022 and 2023.
“This was the culmination of three years of strategic planning that began in mid-2020. Our team had the ability to foresee that our employees needed a fresh, hybrid office space, one that offered space for in-person collaboration because a fully remote-working environment was not a long-term solution — we thrive on relationships in a team-oriented environment,” said Rich Benenson, managing partner at Brownstein. “The new office space offers best-in-class amenities for our employees and clients. We have created a space where people can collaborate and continue Brownstein’s legacy of excellence for our clients and the community.”
This project occurred after the pandemic, which may have forever changed office design and structures. The firm was drawn to Block 162 for many reasons, including its indoor and outdoor amenities, open and efficient floor plans, access to public transportation, expansion opportunity and the reputation of the developer, Patrinely Group, a Brownstein client for more than 30 years. This high-amenity location offers the ability to attract and retain top talent, elevate the amenities the firm provides to clients and lead the way for a technology-driven, flexible office environment. The four-story interconnecting staircase is one of, if not, the largest internal staircase in an office high-rise in Denver and is a great aspect of this office design, connecting all the floors of the firm.
“Brownstein wanted the design of their new space to be a visual and cultural metamorphosis for the firm. As such, the concept for the space was to display a compelling, timeless presence that expresses modern strength and grace while simultaneously re-launching their iconic brand in a future-forward statement. Paramount to the new design was the idea that the office should be so aspirational that employees would be drawn back to work out of sheer want and desire,” said Gillian Johnson, lead designer for the interior space with Anderson Mason Dale Architects. “Every floor is infused with abundant daylight and advanced technology, such as ultra-Zoom-friendly office configurations and room reservation panels on each occupied room.”
The move reaffirms a commitment to downtown Denver that Norm Brownstein, Jack Hyatt and Steve Farber made when they founded the firm 56 years ago. Brownstein’s decision to relocate its headquarters to Block 162 validates its strategy to deliver a new standard of quality compared to other office suites in Denver.
Brownstein currently employs more than 300 attorneys, policy professionals, professional staff and management in Denver, and over 700 employees firmwide.
Project Partners:
Office Design: Anderson Mason Dale Architects
General Contractor: Boots Construction
