445 Godwin Ave. in Midland Park — Courtesy: LAN Associates
By Joshua Burd
LAN Associates has recommitted to its longtime home in Midland Park, while detailing plans to renovate the 20,000-square-foot space over the next year.
The architecture and engineering firm announced this week that it has signed a new 10-year lease extension at 445 Godwin Ave., its headquarters since 2001. The company has expanded three times during that stretch, thanks to the growth of its business, prompting the need to redesign and modernize its space in the historic building.
“Following a strategic search considering all qualitative, operational and economic parameters, the partners (of LAN) made the decision to remain in Midland Park,” said Marc Trevisan, an executive managing director with Cushman & Wakefield, who represented LAN Associates alongside with Executive Managing Director David Sherman and Director Mark Zaziski.
In a news release, LAN said its growth since 2001 has included opening new offices in Goshen, New York, and Philadelphia, while it has benefited from recognition at the local and national levels. Its plans at 445 Godwin, a former cotton and silk mill built in 1871, call for a new design and layout meant to create a more interactive, open flexible workspace.
“This was a big decision for LAN,” said Steven Ramiza, vice president of LAN Associates. “We have considered many options for the company’s future and are thrilled to announce we are staying. Our success comes as a result of our staff and the community.”
LAN executives said they were eager to provide a new work environment for its more than 70 employees in Midland Park, most of whom live in neighboring towns.
Design work is now underway, with construction slated to begin in early 2019. The company hopes to complete all renovations within the year.
“The renovations will allow us to create an updated layout with a more open space floorplan that maximizes natural light within the space,” said Laura Schluger, an associate and architect with LAN who is overseeing the renovations. “As transformation plans have begun, our team is focusing on the current needs of the office while also making accommodations for continued growth.”
