Shoes.com Signs as Lead Tenant for Constitution Wharf; Undergoing $20M Renovation and Rebranding

BOSTON—National Development reports that the former Constitution Center will undergo a $20 million renovation to construct a creative workplace in the waterfront environment. The project, renamed Constitution Wharf, is an 8-acre office property located in Charlestown directly on the Boston Harbor and across the North Washington Bridge from North Station.

Constitution Wharf seeks to transform the waterfront office environment by highlighting the building’s location on a pier next to the birth of the USS Constitution. The180,000-square-foot office complex adjacent to Constitution Marina provides walking access to North Station and vehicle access to I-93, I-90, and Route 1. It is also situated amidst many restaurants and coffee shops and includes on-site parking. National Development will begin construction later this month on a new double height lobby, entryway, lounge, café and fitness area dedicated to the building. Landscape improvements will create an outdoor work and social room overlooking the harbor. The renovation will also include workspace improvements, covered bike storage, new signage, and a public art component.

Shoes.com (formerly ShoeBuy), an e-commerce company recently acquired by Jet.com, has signed a long-term lease for 31,300 square feet with National Development at Constitution Wharf. The company’s headquarters will relocate to this new site from Boston’s Financial District. Newmark Grubb Knight Frank (NKF) Executive Managing Director David Townsend and Senior Managing Director Tim Bianchi advised National Development in the transaction. John Butterworth and Nick Amarante of CBRE/New England represented shoes.com in the lease negotiations. Perkins & Will is providing the architectural services for the renovation.

“The property’s fantastic location along with its modern amenities will make Constitution Wharf a great place to build culture and to recruit the best talent. It’s a privilege to work with National Development on Constitution Wharf, and we credit the team for their hard work and vision for this project which attracted an exciting company like shoes.com,” said Townsend.

Shoes.com is relocating its headquarters from 101 Arch Street in Boston’s Financial District to the second floor of One Constitution Wharf because of its rapid growth and desire for a unique workspace. “We’re incredibly excited about the opportunity to grow our business and to foster an energetic company culture for shoes.com at Constitution Wharf,” commented John Foristall, EVP & CFO of shoes.com. “The property’s redevelopment was very attractive to us and met our strict criteria to move our growing headquarters to a premiere and unique location. The custom open workspace on the waterfront will allow us to continue to modernize and transform how people shop for shoes and to attract top talent.”

National Development will renovate the space to provide a customized open workspace that meets the company’s needs. Shoes.com will take occupancy of its new headquarters in late summer 2017.

Tim Bianchi, NGKF

David Townsend, NGKF

Nick Amarante, CBRE

John Butterworth, CBRE

Rendering Outdoor Work Space