A rendering of an updated lobby at 600 South Ave., a 70,000-square-foot office in Westfield — All images courtesy: Newmark Knight Frank/Murray Construction
By Joshua Burd
A brokerage and development team has unveiled plans to revamp a 70,000-square-foot office building in Westfield, offering a rare block of space in the town’s popular business district.
Newmark Knight Frank, the leasing agent at 600 South Ave., joined Murray Construction in detailing the upgrades at the three-story property known as Rigel. Plans include modernized lobbies, restrooms and elevators, along with the addition of a grab-and-go café, as the brokerage team markets 57,000 square feet across the second and third floors.
NKF’s David Simson and Dan Reider are leading the assignment.
“This is the first time that this sizable a block of space has come available in over 20 years at the property,” Simson said. “As more firms are looking to diversify their workplace locations and spread their employees throughout the region, we see Rigel as the perfect place for employers looking for an easily accessible, renovated, top-quality building.”
SLIDESHOW: 600 South Ave. in Westfield
In a news release, NKF noted that the available space comprises the entire third floor and part of the second floor, which are connected by an internal staircase. The enclosed space offers controlled access for tenants with high ceilings for abundant light and circulation.
The remaining space at Rigel is currently leased to Wells Fargo.
“We see this size of space as a great opportunity for firms looking for an upgraded and secure workplace in which to grow their business,” said Brian Fitzsimmons of Murray Construction. “We are confident that the rarity of this type of space in the market will attract office users looking to offer their employees easy access to downtown amenities, transit and parking for commuters.”
Murray and NKF highlighted the building’s location in downtown Westfield, which is home to a vibrant retail corridor with dining, retail and banking. The Westfield train station is a seven-minute walk from the property, offering direct service to Midtown Manhattan, while the site is a 10-minute drive to the Garden State Parkway and a 17-minute drive to the Metropark station.
The leasing team also noted that locations such as Westfield have become increasingly appealing as companies reopen their offices and require additional space, given the need for social distancing in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak.
