Our client, BXP, wanted to redevelop a portion of the GM Building into an amenity center to incentivize future tenants and add value and program within the property. They allotted a 2,415 square meter suite on the eastern half of the second floor to be developed into an amenity center with three primary components – Food & Beverage, Conference Center & Lounge, and a Fitness & Wellness Center.

The GM Building and in particular its lobby embodies an elevated, aspirational environment, using marble in varying ways with large-scale gestures. The neutral environment speaks equally to each sector of tenant while conveying the building’s significance. Our design of the amenity spaces is centered around grand architectural gestures, but in a warm, enveloping palette of marble, plaster, and white oak millwork befitting the hospitality nature of the new suite.

The artwork and furniture for the amenity space layers in color and texture inspired by innovators of the GM Building and its fabled tenants. In particular, the interior color and material story pays homage to the Damsels of Design – a group of female graduates of the Cranbrook Academy working for GM during the mid-twentieth century who pioneered materials like Ultrasuede and perfected the art of clay-modeling automobile prototypes.

Creating a space full of light and air, an emphasis was placed on maintaining high ceiling heights of up to 15’-6” throughout while still providing an intimate, personable environment through rich materiality and soft seating. Aimed to be used from day to night, dynamic white lighting is used throughout the amenity spaces, tempering a warmer color temperature in the evening to emulate daylight. Mimicking circadian rhythms promotes productivity and wellbeing. All the lighting is LED to help with energy conservation.

By incorporating a coffee bar, grab-and-go concept, and an elevated dining and bar experience in the parlor and conference pre-function space, the food and beverage offerings provide greater flexibility and convenience for the tenant.

The conference center features three individual rooms able to house up to 73 individuals or a larger, combined room for up to 265 people. The conference operator will provide seminar seating as well as options for boardroom and banquette style layouts to cater to any occasion or meeting need. Accompanying the conference center is a large parlor and library lounge space which functions as a comfortable and restful place for workers looking to rest or break out of meetings.

The fitness center features a cycling studio, a sunlit group studio, and a physical therapy suite with private treatment rooms. The spa-like locker rooms have high-end finishes, dynamic lighting, plentiful and well-appointed grooming stations, and shower rooms with ensuite changing areas, among other features. Low-flow fixtures are utilized in these spaces to reduce water use. Physical therapy treatment areas further instill a sense of wellness.