Drinker Biddle Extends Lease, Will Remain at One Logan Square Through 2029
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP has extended its lease with Brandywine Realty Trust to remain at One Logan Square through 2029. As part of the lease negotiations, the firm plans to occupy approximately 155,000 square feet of renovated office space across seven and a half floors beginning in June 2014.
The firm’s original lease with Brandywine Realty Trust was set to expire in 2014. The firm moved to One Logan Square in 1999, and currently occupies approximately 206,000 square feet across 10 floors.
Alfred W. Putnam, Jr., Drinker Biddle’s chairman, said the firm was pleased to stay in a building it considers to be premier office space in Philadelphia.
“Staying at One Logan allows us to keep a sense of continuity for our clients, our lawyers and our staff while still taking advantage of the advantages that come along with a ‘new space,’” Putnam said. “When complete, we’ll have new office esthetics and increased spacing efficiencies.”
Andrew C. Kassner, Drinker Biddle’s executive partner said the firm did its due diligence in choosing to stay at One Logan Square, and is employing Studios Architecture, its national architect, to do the design work. Among key changes to the office will be new conference spaces and work stations that promote a more collaborative environment, a revamped technology infrastructure and a new reception area.
“These changes will help us better serve our clients,” Kassner said. “Recently, we have been focusing on improving how we manage our projects and the processes we have in place to complete them. Having the opportunity to redesign our space now will allow us to incorporate those improvements into the physical design of the office and anticipate additional changes in how we practice law.”
Jill Bronson, Drinker Biddle’s regional partner in charge of the Philadelphia office, echoed Kassner’s comments, noting that much has changed in the legal industry since the firm moved to One Logan over a decade ago.
“This redesign will allow us to mirror the efficiencies we’ve created with our work product in our physical space layout,” Bronson said.
The firm will “renovate in place,” meaning that renovations will take place approximately two floors at a time. Construction is set to begin in July 2013 and should be completed in June 2014.
Legal work related to the new lease was done by Ralph Rodak, a partner in the firm’s Real Estate practice group. The firm’s broker of record was Studley, Inc.
Drinker Biddle has been headquartered in Philadelphia since its founding in 1849. Its first office was located at 80 Walnut Street (later known as 322 Walnut).