Maris give Pilgrim Street a Makeover for Faegre & Benson
July 2010
Maris is delighted to announce the completion of the first phase refurbishment at 7 Pilgrim Street, London EC4 for leading US law firm Faegre & Benson.
Faegre & Benson have 475 Lawyers worldwide and serve businesses throughout the US, Europe and Asia. Established in 1886, they are one of the 100 largest law firms headquarted in the US and have clients in almost every US state and in more than 100 countries around the world.
Faegre & Benson have maintained a London office since 1985 and were initially looking to relocate from Pilgrim Street late last year and met with Maris in August 2009. Maris’ initial involvement was to evaluate shortlisted properties, however, Faegre & Benson decided not to relocate but to refurbish their existing premises. A new 10 year lease was signed on the existing four storey Pilgrim Street office and a scope of refurbishment works to the first and second floors was developed by Maris.
The works were to be carried out in phases; the first incorporating temporary enabling works to the fourth floor to allow a temporary decant area. The second phase involved full refurbishment works to both the first and second floors and finally some limited works to both the ground and third floors, along with the refurbishment of the primary staircase and improvements to the architecture and services infrastructure of the building which were dated.
Maris’ Project Director, commented, “Having occupied their existing building for many years the property required a fairly substantial refurbishment. This was the easy decision! However, less straight forward was whether they moved away from one fee earner per office to a more open plan arrangement. We have this kind of discussion with many clients, especially the legal sector, so were able to promptly advise the pros and cons, together with edifying some of the internal political issues which would arise if open plan was selected. We enjoy an excellent relationship with Faegre and Benson and I look forward to a glass of wine at their opening celebration."
