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Construction Roundup: Brain Corp, Acorns & Zodiac Pool Systems

By Dean Petersen

As springtime begins, our Hughes Marino project management team has been involved in several exciting projects that are either completed or in progress. Here’s an inside look at the developments!

Brain Corp’s Headquarters Transformation Features Panoramic Views

Brain Corp is a San Diego-based AI company creating transformative core technology for the robotics industry.

Brain Corp’s comprehensive solutions support the builders of today’s autonomous machines in successfully producing, deploying, and supporting commercial robots across industries and applications.

With the rapid growth of Brain Corp, they intended to consolidate their multiple buildings into one all-encompassing central headquarters. The project consisted of three separate floor plates, including a 6th floor outdoor patio with panoramic and breathtaking ocean views, as well as a R&D lab on the first floor of the space.

Brain Corp also included a full-service catering kitchen with a large café that doubles as an “all-hands” assembly area. Another unique addition, their space features a recording studio on the second floor to record live podcasts!

The project included a two-phase move, with separate permitting for the café to ensure the move date would not be affected. Through value engineering, the team managed to maintain a beautiful café for all Brain Corp’s team members to use, while staying within their budget.

Hughes Marino is proud to have partnered with Brain Corp on this incredible project alongside architect ID Studios and general contractor Back’s Construction.

Acorns Invests in a Brand-New Headquarters

Acorns is the leading micro-investing mobile app that offers automated investment management and financial advisory services. The Acorns app, which provides a simple and safe entry-point for anyone to get started, “rounds up” their customer’s spending to the nearest dollar and invests that difference, putting spare change to work.

Mural by Janie Rochfort.

The company was looking to completely transform their office environment with a new headquarters. Their creative new space features interconnecting staircases, open ceilings, an open kitchen design and a uniquely designed outdoor amenity space. Natural light floods the space and modern finishes create the perfect environment for their team to call home.

Alongside Hughes Marino’s tenant representation team, the program, project and construction management team was tasked with leading the design and construction of the project. With a desire for a cutting edge design and tight budget constraints, Hughes Marino aided in the negotiation of a successful deal structure then led the project design team to create a workspace that met Acorn’s business goals.

Hughes Marino partnered with LPA Design Studios, tk1sc, and Howard Building Corporation in making this project a huge success. We are excited for the future of Acorns and are honored to have played a role in helping to create the perfect space for their team!

Zodiac Pool Systems’ Innovative Workspace Conversion

Zodiac Pool Systems, a Fluidra Company, is a leading global manufacturer of best-in-class pool and spa products. Applying their rich heritage of innovation excellence to product engineering, they develop some of the world’s leading solutions for the most technologically-advanced, energy-efficient and clean swimming pools and spas.

The company needed a space to not only reflect their mission on delivering excellent service and products, but to also cultivate a workspace where their team could thrive. The Hughes Marino team helped with the conversion of the 35-foot high bay flex building into 78,000 square feet of creative corporate office and 26,000 square feet of R&D test space for the pool equipment manufacturer.

Hughes Marino worked together with the Zodiac Pool Systems team along with architect Hollander Design Group and general contractor Burger Construction to create an amazing space that not only fit their needs but was within their budget!

That’s a wrap for now! Be sure to check in next quarter for more exciting updates from our team!

Dean Petersen is senior vice president of Hughes Marino, a global corporate real estate advisory firm that exclusively represents tenants and buyers. Contact Dean at 1-844-662-6635 or dean@hughesmarino.com to learn more.



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