Meyer Najem’s development team saw the vision for what opportunities lay ahead for the repurposed military post. Working with the FHRA for nearly two years on an extensive redevelopment process, Meyer Najem worked to address the aesthetic, structural, and general modernization improvements that the building would need.

The fully renovated building overlooks a ravine in the rear that is planned for a future art trail with a phenomenal view of the historic water tower. Upgrades to the building included expansive new windows that optimize natural light, an exclusive and private outdoor patio area, new MEP systems, an expanded parking lot, and a new passenger elevator. The interior of the building was completed as a build-to-suit opportunity for new tenants.

With extensive redevelopment costs to the more than 110-year-old building, rental costs were placed at the higher end of the market rates. One of the strategies that Meyer Najem implemented to help keep local companies as tenants, was a five-year tax abatement passed directly through to tenants to help reduce their operating expenses. To no benefit to Meyer Najem, this initiative was to help offset the higher rental costs.

The Fort’s development to date is widely recognized by the military as a success story for the reuse and redevelopment of a vacated military installation, resulting in an award for Exemplary Work in Base Redevelopment by the Office of the Secretary of Defense.