DPR Construction is planning to use flex/office space in Reston, once occupied by an IBM R&D team, as its central Mid-Atlantic hub for 250 employees and as a “living laboratory” to showcase its construction technology.

The general contractor is leasing 20k SF at 11109 Sunset Hills Rd, one of two Penzance buildings in the Sunset Hills Corporate Center in Reston. 

The project includes a new front entrance, multiple skylights, area for a large training room, exercise space, an open-plan workspace, the latest in LED lighting technology and solar panels and other new and efficient mechanical systems. Penzance SVP Matt Pacinelli says the building, while only half occupied by DPR, could eventually be completely energy independent.

The building, which is walking distance to the Silver Line Wiehle-Reston stop,  still has another 20k SF to lease, along with 16k SF of available space at its sister building, 11107 Sunset Hills Rd. Matt has several prospects and says it could be appealing to younger firms looking for unique and inspiring space. For example, he says the roll-up dock door could be converted to a café. 

As far as the overall office market, Matt says it’s “pretty solid” with stronger leasing activity, but still behind historic levels. He predicts 2016 to be another slow year but steadily improving. Based on history, he predicts substantive pick-up after the election.