For OtterBox, makers of protective cases for handheld technology, the task of finding a space to house the growing staff of over 70 employees and three warehouses seemed nearly impossible. But patience and persistence paid off. Soon, the entire OtterBox team will be united just five miles down the road from its current Old Town office in the Thunder Mountain Custom Cycles building, 760 S.E. Frontage Road, Fort Collins, Colo. 80526. As the company’s name implies, the remodeling plans will incorporate fun, personalized elements to make it an exciting space for both staff and visitors alike.
“We’re definitely looking forward to having a place we can call our own,” said Curt Richardson, CEO of OtterBox. “I want employees to enjoy coming to work and the new building will encourage productivity through a carefully planned layout and a strong sense of community by bringing everyone together.”
Working with The Architects’ Studio, a Fort Collins based company specializing in contemporary commercial-scale architecture, and Oglesby Sherman Design, a Fort Collins interior design firm dedicated to the creation of inspirational spaces, the new OtterBox building will receive a facelift both inside and out.
Awnings, rock siding and fresh landscaping will enhance the exterior. Patios off the main level and second floor will provide an ideal space for meetings and breaks. The main patio will even include an outdoor fireplace and grill for company barbeques.
A striking entryway with heightened ceilings will greet visitors and employees. Elements such as windows and wavy glass throughout will support a bright ambiance and water features will bring soothing tranquility. An 800 gallon fish tank on the main level will add an impressive visual element and the inviting fireplace on the second floor will offer an ideal lounge space for a casual meeting or mid-day relaxation.
Curt’s wife Nancy Richardson is also bringing her interior design expertise and creative touch to the space. “The new building will reflect a culture of innovation,” Nancy said. “Fun colors, textures and organic elements offer an environment that supports a variety of work styles and promotes a unique vision and purpose for everyone.”
It’s a bittersweet departure from the coffee shops, stores and restaurants in the Old Town area, so the Richardsons decided it was essential to add similar conveniences to the new location. As part of employee benefits, an in-house cafe will serve a variety of breakfast and lunch options such as breakfast burritos and wraps. For biking enthusiasts, a bike storage and repair room will be the perfect place to store gear, fix a flat or pump up tires. A workout facility, game room and telephone booths for employees to make personal calls will all be part of this imaginative theme.
The current 7,898-square-foot office space will expand to a 23,594-square-foot space with offices on the main floor and second floor addition. Offering yet another unexpected focal point, the main level will include two remodeled Airstream trailers which provide a sleek, modern space for private offices and meeting rooms. Herman Miller Resolve workstations will foster a refreshing work environment. These simple yet elegant pieces, allow for greater use of space with different storage and layout options.
The main level will also be the location for the warehouse. Currently, OtterBox has a warehouse at 113 Hickory Street and 5739 Bueno Drive in Fort Collins and the company rents storage space at the Forney Industries, Inc. warehouse, 1830 Laporte Ave. The new building will provide a 12,800-square-foot warehouse space so these three facilities can come together under one roof.
OtterBox also plans to give great attention to using green products during construction. While the building won’t be Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified, the company plans to recycle building materials during the demo phase. The completed space will also include designated recycling areas.
With four to five people per office and several warehouses in town, OtterBox has long outgrown its current locations. Sure to be a notable landmark from I-25 and within the Fort Collins community, the proposed 36,394-square-foot building set on 4.25 acres will provide the ideal location for expansion as the company grows.
About OtterBox:
Founded in 1996, OtterBox is highly respected in the design and production of rugged and semi-rugged cases to safeguard technology and other valuables. Built upon fundamentals of hard work, creativity and perseverance, OtterBox is the innovator of premier protective solutions for leading global handheld manufacturers, wireless carriers and distributors.
