The Ashforth Company has launched an extensive $12 million capital improvement and amenities program at Stamford Square, located at 3001 Summer Street. The property consists of 290,000 square feet of office space on eight floors with four levels of underground parking, and is managed by Ashforth.

The building was developed in 1980 by Ashforth and designed by architect Emory Roth & Sons.  Ashforth’s major two-phase renovation program is designed to upgrade and enhance the building’s overall image aesthetically, structurally and environmentally. 

“Our dramatic renovation and new amenities program will help transform Stamford Square from what is already considered a Class A property to one of the premier office properties in Stamford with local, long-standing ownership and management,” said Darrell Harvey, co-CEO of The Ashforth Company. “We are also particularly pleased that we will be offering sustainable transportation, to and from Stamford Square, and other Ashforth owned and managed office buildings located on Summer Street, and the Stamford Train Station, with our new propane-powered shuttle service,” added Harvey.

Designed by Roger Ferris + Partners of Westport, Connecticut, the extensive improvements will implement LEED construction standards and include a striking, new modern lobby, state-of-the-art elevators, new bathrooms and tenant common areas, a new environmentally friendly and energy efficient HVAC system, enhanced landscaping, new property identity and directional signage, and contemporary facade enhancements.  New amenities along with the private shuttle service are a full-service cafeteria and a modern, high-tech fitness facility.

See more photos of the renovation.

“We have earmarked spring 2011 as the expected completion date,” said Andrew B. Ashforth, co-CEO of The Ashforth Company and CEO of A.P. Construction. “Completing this renovation is a reflection of our confidence in the long-term vitality of the Stamford commercial real estate market. We are pleased to oversee this substantial project for Ashforth and of our high-caliber team of professionals that surround it,” added Ashforth.

Phase I of the two-phase, $12 million capital improvement plan is near completion. This phase includes the construction of the new fitness facility which is scheduled to open November 15 for tenants and a major redesign of the main street level access of the parking garage and traffic pattern.   

Phase II, the most prominent of the extensive project, is now beginning. The building’s current two lobby layout will undergo a complete redesign and restoration to feature one expansive 4,400-square-foot lobby. The project will blend some of the finest architectural components, finishes and styles to create a more updated, inviting introduction to the building.  The centerpiece of the redesigned lobby will be a stunning, 144-foot-long back-lit, wood ‘feature’ wall that spans the length of the entire lobby from east and west elevator lobby cores and running behind the concierge desk.  This extraordinary wall features a similar lighting material used on the interior walls at the Alice Tully Center at Lincoln Center in New York City. In the evening, the lighted wall will be prominently visible coming over the crest of Long Ridge and High Ridge roads heading toward Summer Street.

In addition, this phase will focus on landscaping and Ashforth’s sustainable shuttle service – Ashforth Express – which is expected to begin next spring.

“These major renovations will exemplify to the current and future businesses of Stamford Square the total commitment Ashforth makes to its tenants and will enhance our success marketing Stamford Square as a strong alternative – with great value and financially sound ownership at competitive rates – to other downtown properties,” said Ed Tonnessen, managing director of Jones Lang LaSalle, the exclusive leasing agent for Stamford Square. “Stamford Square will be offered at rents less than $40 per square foot,” added Tonnessen.

Stamford Square currently has approximately 40,000 square feet of available space and an additional 160,000 square feet available in early 2011. 

Surrounded by blue-chip corporate neighbors, Stamford Square is ten minutes from I-95, the Merritt Parkway and the Stamford Train Station and within walking distance of Lord & Taylor, Ridgeway Shopping Center, Stamford Plaza Hotel, banks and restaurants. Major tenants include KPMG and Genworth Financial.

Ashforth’s management services division, Albert B. Ashforth, Inc., will oversee the project with architect Roger Ferris + Partners. A.P. Construction Company, Ashforth’s construction division, is the construction manager and general contractor for the project. Featured above are Stamford Square's David Marks, Vice President - Property Manager, and Heather Evans, Assistant Property Manager.

The Ashforth Company’s investment strategy is to acquire quality assets in markets with good long-term fundamentals, and to enhance value through the company’s operating expertise. Ashforth has real estate investment interests in locations throughout the country, including commercial office complexes in Fairfield County, Conn.; Portland, Ore; Seattle, Wash.; San Francisco, Calif.; and Boston, Mass.