Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As one of Philadelphia's oldest law firms, Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell & Hippel had grown and thrived for 70 years in The Packard Building and 15th and Chestnut Streets. Because of the age of the building and the outdated configuration of their layout, the firm undertook a search for new quarters. After an extensive search and evaluation, they decided to relocate to One Penn Center at Suburban Station.

The building, which was built in the 1920's and had undergone extensive renovation in 1987, appealed to the firm in many respects. Not only is the location favorable, directly over the Commuter Rail Station, but the floors they leased, 18 (partial), 19 and 20, had originally been the corporate headquarters of The Pennsylvania Railroad.

The rich details and materials that survived, which would be difficult and expensive to replicate today, responded to the firm's sense of tradition and the recently renovated building systems (mechanical, electrical and fire protection) enabled them to have an office environment that meets today's technological and life safety needs.

Obermayer, Rebmann, Maxwell and Hippel viewed the relocation as an opportunity to reevaluate their operations from top to bottom. Forming Committees led by Partners, they gathered information and made judgments in such areas as high-density filing, library systems (including CD ROM), computer networks, telephone system, secretarial workstations and multi-purpose conference rooms. The resulting decisions have literally moved the firm from the early 20th Century to the early 21st Century.

During construction, many elements of the original office were discovered, including marble floors in the main hallways and parquet floors in offices and conference rooms. Space Design Incorporated restored and augmented these features, as well as refinishing the walnut paneling in several private offices and the main conference room. New finishes were selected not only to reinforce the luster of the old, but also to create a contemporary environment, respectful of the past. Hidden beneath the richness of their new facility is the latest in law office technology and design ... ready for the next century!