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‘The Launch’ office campus across from John Wayne Airport is already taking off

IRVINE, Calif. (August 15, 2018) — “The Launch” has taken off, with tech companies and other horizon-busting enterprises landing at the reimagined campus on the site of Irvine Company’s former Airport Business Center.

“Growth companies view their workplace communities as an extension of their brands, a place not just to work but to help communicate their identities as they seek to recruit and retain top talent in a competitive market,” said Steve Case, executive vice president, Irvine Company Office Properties.

The project features creative work spaces and modern amenities, which has already attracted interior design and architectural firm, SAA interiors + architecture, medical technology leader Truinject, next generation hosted unified communications service provider, Juxto, global real estate network brokerage, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties, DevOps and cloud consultancy, Nebulaworks and Redshift Rendering Technologies, developer of the world’s fastest production-quality GPU renderer.

“More than anything else, we are doing this for our employees. We looked for a place that reinforces our commitment to our culture. This relocation and expansion is to build our internal community and provide a great place for our Orange County team,” said Nelson Algaze, chief executive officer of SAA interiors + architecture.

It’s not the only new or renovated Irvine Company workplace community generating interest before opening or re-opening. The company’s 400 Spectrum Center, which opened in September, is 67% leased, and The Quad @ Discovery Business Center, which opens this summer, is 64% pre-leased.

“Location, amenities, and aesthetics are top priorities for an exceptional and collaborative business environment. The Launch exceeded our expectations and we are excited to now call it our corporate home,” said Chris Ciborowski, chief executive officer of Nebulaworks.

Construction of the revamped, 60,000 square-foot 18600 MacArthur Boulevard completed in April; its twin, 18650 MacArthur, is on schedule for completion in the fall.  The first customers started moving in early May.

Both buildings, along with Bank of America and Union Bank branches, that make up “The Launch” front the airport on MacArthur Boulevard, which is one of Orange County’s largest economic engines with an annual impact estimated at more than $6 billion and 43,000 jobs.

Built in the 1970s and designed by Craig Ellwood, the modernized version will feature creative workspaces with abundant natural light, exposed ceilings, column free, and offer up to 16 feet of floor-to-ceiling glass – unheard of in older buildings.

The Launch offers a total of approximately 120,000-square feet of space re-engineered with start-ups and growth companies in mind. With the pre-leases, “The Launch” is emerging as an ecosystem of innovative brand builders – forward-thinking companies and their employees, who blend life and work more than ever.

The eye-catching exterior is matched by spacious, modern interior enhancements as well as a dynamic outdoor workspace, complete with fire pit, complimentary WiFi, mobile plug-ins and soft seating, making it an appealing environment for outdoor meetings, events or for employees to recharge. Onsite amenities include KINETICTM private fitness center, grab-and-go coffee and food, as well as a conference center.  The new lobbies reflect hospitality trends, offering interactive spaces where people engage.

Customer floors feature a communal lounge that further encourages collaboration and business networking. A collection of ReadyNow® Offices, crafted by Irvine Company, offer expertly designed spaces with fast move-in and flexible leasing terms with sizes ranging from 1,500 to 6,500 square feet.

Amenities within walking distance include John Wayne Airport, Atrium and Hilton Hotels, classic dining options which include El Torito Grill, IHOP, and Gulliver’s, and Trade – an open-air food hall of visionary restaurateurs.

The reinvestment comes as the area continues to be a sought-after address, with a vacancy rate that’s approaching single digits.

About Irvine Company Office Properties
As a long-term owner who continuously reinvests, Irvine Company has evolved the traditional office to something much more: vibrant workplace communities. A place where collaboration is encouraged, and creativity is enabled to elevate business success. The Company owns and manages 150 premier workplace communities in Orange County, Los Angeles, Silicon Valley and San Diego, as well as iconic trophy towers in Chicago and New York. The portfolio includes 50 million square feet with more than 3,000 customers in a wide range of industries. Its timeless design and quality craftsmanship is consistent with its long-term view and pride of ownership.

Media Contact:
Bill Rams
[email protected]
(949) 200-6107