Surrounded by 360-degree views of downtown Toledo, the new Hart Inc. headquarters are a daily reminder of the marketing firm’s humble roots within the city of Toledo. Hart Inc.’s new office is located within Toledo’s iconic Hylant Building, as the company’s CEO plans to play an active role in downtown Toledo’s urban core revitalization.

After 26 years in a suburban location, Hart Inc. will now occupy the 5th and 6th floors of the Hylant Building. When originally constructed in 1960, the Hylant Building was the first high rise erected in 30 years at that time. Presently, the building will again play a pinnacle role in the revitalization of downtown Toledo.

The space was designed to be representative of the marketing firm’s design aesthetic, while paying homage to the firm’s roots in Toledo. Form and function were carefully considered throughout the design as layouts were thoughtfully developed to foster workflow and collaboration amongst team members.

Throughout the space are more than 20 areas specifically designed to encourage creative collaboration, as well as provide inspiration for creative work. Additionally, a staircase was added between the two stories to improve employee accessibility within the 20,000-square-foot space. The agency has also accounted for future growth within the space. The firm rapidly grew to 80 people over the last 7 years and expects to further increase in size.

True to their Toledo roots, Hart Inc. chose to collaborate with firms and artists who also call Toledo home. The architectural firm on the project, The Collaborative, the general contractor, Rudolph Libbe, and the interior contractor, OCP Contractors, are all Toledo-based firms. Originally began 50 years ago in Toledo, OCP Contractors has a long standing reputation for completing some of the city’s most notable work.

In order to achieve the client’s desired design aesthetic, OCP implored creative methods for completing the scope of work. Custom triangular acoustical clouds were created for the main conference room to maintain design, however, the challenge came in working safely despite the presence of asbestos. Additionally, custom paint and finishes were utilized throughout the space to convey Hart Inc.’s new branding.

When asked of his experience in working with the OCP team, Nick Calmes of Rudolph Libbe stated, “Hart Inc.’s renovation overlooking downtown Toledo was a unique project combining a design that was modern, industrial, and rustic. OCP’s hard work and dedication to meeting project goals, schedule, and detail was essential in achieving an outstanding finished product. We look forward to working with OCP on future projects.”

Hart’s new office conveys the firm’s branding, pays homage to its history, and will propel the firm towards a successful future as downtown Toledo continues on a path of growth and development. The project was successfully completed on a compressed schedule in March of 2018.