Helsinn Therapeutics, the Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical company focused on oncology and rare diseases that makes its U.S. headquarters in Metropark, made a small move geographically when it moved its office from 170 to 200 Wood Ave. S. in Iselin.
But it is one that had big impact on its office environment.
The company now occupies 25,000 square feet on the first floor of an office campus — a space that includes conference and meeting facilities, a training room, open collaboration areas, a wellness room and a private outdoor terrace.
SJP Project Solutions — SJP Properties’ third-party development management arm — completed the transformative buildout, one of many it has done since acquiring the property in early 2020.
Helsinn joins Siemens, a multinational technology company; a national insurance carrier; international transport company DSV; and the globally ranked financial services company Credit Agricole, all of which have established offices at 200 Wood Ave. S. since SJP acquired the building.
Alexander Erdos, senior vice president, leasing & marketing, at SJP Properties, said the company feels its ability to do build-to-suit properties is good for companies and the life sciences sector.
“In spite of economic headwinds faced by many industries, New Jersey’s life sciences sector continues to evolve and thrive at an incredible rate,” he said. “Not only is SJP able to offer these companies resilient workplace environments, but we are able to deliver built-to-suit spaces tailored to address unique tenant needs.
“The future growth of the state’s life sciences sector is dependent upon the ability of these companies to tap into the highly educated labor pool within surrounding markets. SJP’s presence in New Jersey continues to facilitate this connection and compel more top-tier companies to establish footprints in transit-oriented suburbs like Iselin.”
The property always had size (270,000 square feet) and always has been optimally positioned near public transit (New Jersey Transit and Amtrak Acela), but SJP officails feel they have been able to update its value by offering modern, purpose-built workspaces and an array of on-site lifestyle amenities.
Upon acquisition of the property, SJP executed a comprehensive strategy to reposition it, paying homage to its postmodernist architecture with a complete interior and exterior renovation. It also outfitted the property with new building systems and indoor/outdoor lifestyle amenities — a brand new lobby, state-of-the-art fitness center, collaborative common areas, including landscaped outdoor meeting areas, nationally recognized food operators within the on-site dining area and ample on-site parking.
SJP is also providing its signature hospitality and concierge services as part of its property management offering. Additionally, some of the building’s new systems include air filtration upgrades for improved air quality to create a healthier environment for employees.
Helsinn was represented in the lease transaction by Jim Postell at Colliers. Wes Moore of CBRE represented SJP.
