JLL to operate new flex space at MetroTech in Brooklyn

NEW YORK, November 13, 2020 — JLL announced that it will be creating a new flex space offering, Orchard Workspace at 15 MetroTech Center, a new 50,000-square-foot flexible office and meeting space destination at Brookfield Properties’ MetroTech in Downtown Brooklyn. JLL has designed, are building, and will operate the site, which is scheduled to open in spring 2021.

Orchard Workspace is designed to meet tenant demand for flexible offices, access to shared amenity and meeting spaces, and spin-out space for startups and small companies. It also can accommodate tenants looking to set up satellite offices that reduce commute times for employees. The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted the need for more flexible space as companies look for portfolio optimization and cost-saving efforts.

“Businesses will continue to have a need for flexible office space as they recalibrate occupancy strategies in the near-term, and long-term trend lines show increasing demand for flexible office and meeting spaces in the post-COVID world,” said Ben Munn, JLL’s Global Head of Flexible Space. “We are excited to work with Brookfield to bring this flex offering to MetroTech, Brooklyn and New York City as we see a unique opportunity in market demand for this type of workspace experience offering.” 

“MetroTech has attracted creative and forward-thinking companies who want convenient, high-quality office spaces within a community of innovators. With the addition of JLL’s Orchard Workspace, we are opening MetroTech up to a greater diversity of companies who want a home in Downtown Brooklyn, offering a variety of flexible office spaces for small businesses and startups,” said Mark Kostic, Senior Vice President for Asset Management and Leasing at Brookfield Properties. “We are excited for JLL’s global Flex team to create a unique offering that will benefit the property, our tenants, and the community.”

Orchard Workspace will offer flexible offices, coworking space, meeting rooms, custom team suites and virtual offices. The facility is located within MetroTech Center. With access to thirteen subway lines, a 3.5-acres public outdoor park programmed year-round with art and activations from Arts Brookfield, and more, MetroTech has a growing tenant roster of exciting and innovative companies, including Slate, Magellan Health, Think! Architecture and Design, Uniworld Group, Stratasys, and JPMorgan Chase. MetroTech is also home to the NYU Tandon School of Engineering, boasting a top ranked Northeast graduate tech program and over 5,300 graduate and undergraduate engineering students.

Downtown Brooklyn, which has a host of restaurants, shops and cafes, sits amid a group of highly attractive and growing residential neighborhoods, including Brooklyn Heights, Dumbo, Fort Greene, Park Slope, Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill.

Designed to be a healthy, inclusive environment, the space will include state-of-the-art UV air purifiers, plants and mobile dividers to create physical separation in open work environments, as well as workspace buffering, signage, hand sanitation stations and space-use policies that optimize health and safety. The enterprise-grade space will be distinguished by high-quality acoustic materials and sound masking technology, ergonomic Steelcase furniture, a micro-market with food and beverage options, as well as a dedicated hospitality team running an environment that promotes business growth and an engaged community.

The design of Orchard Workspace emphasizes sustainability, and will feature 70 percent reuse of existing architectural elements, including sprinkler systems, water heaters, HVAC system ductwork, AC units, electrical distribution panels, etc. Lighting controls are designed to the latest energy code (NYCECC 2020), leading to greater energy savings. In addition, Interface flooring products are 100% carbon neutral across its full life cycle and can be fully recycled.