SCYNEXIS Headquarters – Prescription: Jersey City

On Jul 5, 2019

SCYNEXIS, Inc. is an innovative biotech firm that develops promising anti-infective drugs. In 2015, when the company decided to relocate its headquarters from Durham, North Carolina, close proximity to New York City and financial institutions made Hudson County an attractive option. For the company and its employees, the county met SCYNEXIS’ needs for a well-educated employee pool, ample and diverse housing choices, extensive retail, dining, hospitality and recreational/entertainment amenities, and convenient access to public transportation and international airports. SCYNEXIS selected Jersey City as its new home and leased the entire 13th floor of the Class A 1 Evertrust Plaza building.

As SCYNEXIS wanted, Kimmerle Newman Architects (KNA) ensured that all associates would have access to light and windows. KNA created glass front offices and positioned work areas, a lounge and meeting rooms along the exterior windows to enhance views of the Hudson River waterfront and downtown Manhattan from all interior locations. In support of SCYNEXIS’ collegial culture, KNA placed a large common area adjacent to the lobby for meetings, work sessions and social events. While this space can accommodate the entire staff of 60 full-time employees, it also is flexible enough to have multiple activities occurring simultaneously.

Additionally, KNA integrated Feng Shui principles into the workspace design to effect balance and harmony. The four conference rooms, strategically located on the headquarter’s four corners, are named for the primary Feng Shui elements: Earth, Fire, Water and Ice. Luxury vinyl tile flooring was installed and furniture systems featuring sit-to-stand desks were set in the open office area.

Unity Construction Services handled the 15,000-square-foot project build-out. Upgrades included a new HVAC system, building management system (BMS), energy-efficient LED lighting fixtures and glass office fronts adorned with wood grain doors. The $1.3-million project was completed in 12 weeks by 150 construction workers.

OWNER

Evergreen Shipping
Jersey City

ARCHITECT

Kimmerle Newman
Architects
Harding Township

BUILDER

Unity Construction
Services, Inc.
Sayreville

NOMINATOR

The Hon. Alfred J. Cifelli
Freeholder
County of Hudson