Guernsey, a leader in design and consulting services, is thrilled to announce the design and construction of its new headquarters in Oklahoma City’s highly anticipated Alley North development. Guernsey is making a significant investment to become a major equity partner in this development, delivering Oklahoma’s first multi-story mass timber office building. Strategically located adjacent to the Regional Transit Authority’s future north-south commuter rail line, this groundbreaking project is integral to Guernsey’s strategic positioning for its first centennial celebration in 2028 and to ensure its continued success for the next 100 years.
"We are excited to announce our new headquarters in Pivot Project’s Alley North Development, where we are not only designing a sustainable and innovative building but also collaborating alongside Vincit Constructors in making history as the first multi-story mass timber office building in Oklahoma," said Jeff Napoliello, AIA, Executive Vice President and Design Group Director at Guernsey.
Pivot’s Alley North development is an emerging mixed-use attraction poised to become a vibrant hub of commerce, culture, and connectivity in the heart of OKC. Guernsey’s decision to both anchor and invest in this development reflects the firm’s confidence in the future growth of the area and its dedication to contributing to the city’s sustainable urban development. Guernsey’s careful incorporation of mass timber in harmony with more traditional elements is intended as a statement to the community about the future of sustainable, innovative design and construction.
Key Features of the New Headquarters:
First Mass Timber Office Building in Oklahoma: Guernsey’s new headquarters will be the first mass timber multi-story office building in the state of Oklahoma. In addition to its many sustainable features, such as low carbon and greenhouse emissions, mass timber also presents significant advantages for both construction speed and the finished aesthetic.
Major Equity Partner in Alley North Development: As a significant equity partner, Guernsey is deeply invested in the success and long-term vibrance of the Alley North Development. Guernsey will anchor the building and occupy the upper floors, with other tenants rounding-out the space.
Support for Planned Commuter Rail Line: The new headquarters is strategically located immediately adjacent to the planned regional commuter rail line. While the Regional Transit Authority of Central Oklahoma has not yet finalized the north-south commuter rail, Guernsey fully supports this endeavor and is counting on its future approval.
Prime Location at A Transit Nexus: The arrival of rail will complement the broad array of transportation options servicing the Alley North development near NW 13th Street and Broadway. The announced extension of Oklahoma City’s successful Bus Rapid Transit system will add 17 miles of new BRT route, stopping right at Alley North to create a multi-modal hub with rail. This new BRT route will connect the development from OCCC in southwest OKC to northeast OKC’s Adventure District. The recent addition of separated bikeways along NW 13th, along with the nearby light rail system and Amtrak station, makes this one of the most transit-diverse locations in the region.
Corporately Branded Bike Share and Scooter Program: To further promote sustainability features of the development, Guernsey plans to deploy a branded bike and scooter share program. Staff will have access to bikes and scooters for quick trips to lunch, nearby meetings, and other local errands, making sustainable and convenient travel a seamless part of the workday.
Sustainable and Human-Centered Design: The headquarters design includes many sustainable features such as material and finish selections, the incorporation of glass and windows to maximize natural light, and the use of innovative heating and cooling systems. Linked closely with sustainable design, human-centered design expands beyond the building’s efficiency to consider the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of its occupants. Our goal is to enhance our employee’s human health and well-being. This includes the integration of universal design strategies, strong considerations for ergonomics and healthy movement, spatial organization, and amenity access, each of which contributes to the people-focused work of our company.
Construction Management by Vincit Constructors: The development team chose Vincit as the construction manager for Guernsey’s new headquarters. Their expertise in managing complex, sustainable projects solidly aligns with the project needs, and Vincit’s current work at The Oak brings valuable insights to Alley North.
Commitment to Design Excellence: This project reflects Guernsey’s dedication to enhancing its design portfolio. The new headquarters will stand as a statement to the community, showcasing the future of sustainable, innovative design and construction and Guernsey’s role in advancing that transformation.
Positioning for the Centennial and Beyond: Guernsey’s decision to build this new headquarters is a forward-looking move aligned with the company’s first centennial celebration in 2028. Guernsey’s investment in a sustainable, innovative, and strategically located headquarters establishes the foundation for its next century of success.
Community and Industry Engagement: Guernsey plans to create new opportunities to share its headquarters with the public, exposing visitors to the benefits of mass timber construction, transit-oriented development, and our sustainability initiatives. The firm plans engagements such as STEM-focused educational tours, as well as hosting community events to enable people to experience our human-centered design approach.
"Our world is ever-changing, and the workplace is no exception,” said Jared Stigge, CEO of Guernsey. “We have a vision for the future of work-life integration, and we’re just so excited to share it with OKC. We believe in connection – connection to each other, connection to the community, connection to the environment. Through those experiences, we’ll accomplish our life’s best work … and have fun along the way.”
Click the link to explore more angles of Guernsey’s new HQ: https://guernsey.us/newhq
About Guernsey:
Founded in 1928, Guernsey is a multidisciplinary design and consulting firm based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and with work across five continents. With a legacy of delivering innovative solutions across diverse industries, Guernsey is committed to advancing sustainable practices and enhancing the built environment. Guernsey is 100% owned by its people, passionately entrepreneurial, and culture-driven.
About the Alley North Development:
The Alley North Development, led by Pivot Project, is a new mixed-use district in Oklahoma City, designed to be a vibrant, walkable community that integrates commercial, residential, and recreational spaces. Strategically located along the planned regional commuter rail line, Alley North is set to become a key area for transit-oriented development, promoting sustainable urban living and economic growth.
