Data Centers Are Ripe For Gyms

Iron Construction COO Claudia Folzman just told us about a unique conversion of a large, dark server room to a 3,200 SF bright fitness center at EOP's 950 Tower Lane in Foster City.  She says as more companies move to the cloud, they don't need as robust of data center space--or any at all (just a couple servers in a closet). TIs included new restrooms, custom lighting, energy efficient fans, recycled flooring material made from tires, new smart televisions, WiFi and Life Fitness brand equipment.

Claudia, here with with CEO Dave Edgar, came up with the firm's name by combining the first letters of their surnames--together they make the periodic symbol for Iron (Fe). Claudia says Iron is big on commercial interiors and life sciences work, with 45 projects underway in the $500k to $3M range (Genentech is a big client). They just worked with San Jose-based Zoll Circulation, a medical device manufacturer, to accommodate a recent acquisition. Iron did Zoll's Phase 1 80k SF manufacturing facility last year and will start Phase 2 (40k SF) this year. 

Dave and Claudia purchased their Sunnyvale HQ (above) in 2012 and decided to go the renovation route. At purchase, it was just another warehouse with high ceilings. They made it zero-landfill and geothermal, added a second floor as a mezzanine level and slathered it with glass paneling, building out the 27k SF space to LEED Gold. As everyone is going vertical, she says, Iron tried things differently. She says her HQ is an efficient and economical way to reuse some obsolete manufacturing spaces. You can still get "very cool Class-A office space" while not having to drop $500-$700/SF.