Dedicated to improving healthcare around the world

John Snow, Inc. (JSI) is a public healthcare consulting firm dedicated to improving the health of underserved people and communities across the globe. To achieve its mission and promote change in communities and health systems, JSI works closely with government agencies, private-sector companies, local nonprofits, and civic organizations. The organization’s efforts are critical and far-reaching. For nearly 30 years, JSI has looked to JLL’s Ken Patton and, more recently, Tucker Farman to advise them on their local real estate needs, which has included contract-driven growth from an initial 18,000-square-foot floor to over 60,000 square feet involving eight lease amendments and several design and construction projects.  After years of adapting and re-adapting their space, JSI was ready for change. And while their traditional office-intensive, two-person-per-office occupancy model proved efficient, it was beginning to negatively impact their highly collaborative team culture and overall morale.

John Snow, Inc.

With JLL’s guidance, JSI hired an independent workplace strategist to conduct a thorough analysis of JSI’s space needs and space utilization. A thorough employee survey was administered to gather data and foster staff engagement. The survey revealed: a heavy reliance on public transportation, a shortage of informal meeting space, technology and communications challenges and various comfort and wellness concerns including inconsistent HVAC service/control, lack of fresh air and insufficient natural light. JSI assembled a real estate committee consisting of cross-departmental and generational representatives. JLL and the independent workplace strategist, along with a competitively-procured project architect (OPX), conducted an organizational visioning session to determine the form, function and feel of JSI’s new office.

JLL and the JSI committee toured many Metro-accessible buildings within a five-mile radius of their current Rosslyn location, and ultimately identified Two Potomac Yard in Crystal City as the preferred building. Although this location added commute times for some employees, the promise of burgeoning amenities, vibrancy and a live, work, play environment following recently announced planned activity in the area, made the change worth it. JLL’s timing enabled the team to negotiate an extremely favorable rental rate and rental abatement, improvement allowance and lease flexibility – termination and contraction rights – an absolute essential given the shorter term, cyclical nature of government contracts.

Following a competitive RFP and bid process orchestrated by JLL’s Project and Development Services team, JSI selected Clune Construction as the general contractor. JSI’s space was delivered on time and on budget. Building and space attributes include a floor-to-ceiling window line, 9’ finishing ceiling, direct access to a semi-private ‘green’ terrace, a newly improved and outfitted fitness center, a mix of open office workstations, huddle rooms and large conference rooms, and a large communal lounge and café area – a favorite among staff and regularly utilized for monthly pizza and potluck lunch events . And, despite the initial resistance among some to a less private, more open office, JSI staff appreciate the offsetting benefit of a space brimming with natural light and offering greater variety that accommodates all work styles and situations that arise throughout the day.

JLL’s Relocation Management team was also engaged to vacate and de-commission JSI’s former space, execute the installation of all furniture, fixtures and equipment for the new space and prepare a staff welcome manual for post-move orientation and problem-solving. Needless to say, JSI’s new space has also improved recruitment efforts by providing a physical space to celebrate JSI’s work and culture. The office creates a “wow” factor among visiting recruits.