In line with the national firm’s updated space standards across the country, Fox Rothschild LLC tapped architecture, design, and planning firm FCA to lead the strategic consolidation and transformation of the legal practice’s Minneapolis headquarters. Spanning 39,750 square feet across the 36th and 37th floor, the updated office reflects a significant downsizing from the former ten-floor, 100,000-square-foot layout.
A key component of the project was the reduction of private workspaces from 1,000 to 500 square feet per attorney, with visiting practitioner offices located centrally within the interior of the rectangular floor plan. This utilization of space creates a more uniform division among team members, meticulously planned to accommodate the firm's digital shift and reduction in filing systems.
The workplace design further prioritizes a high-quality physical experience for
teams, treating back-of-house areas with the same level of care as client-facing spaces. Adjacent to the elevator lobby, a grand café to the north functions as a primary gathering space, catalyzing social interaction among staff, while a smaller lounge to the south accommodates informal meetings and breaks.
The revitalized core also features open collaboration spaces and team zones that bring natural light into the interior, fostering a sense of openness and connectivity. To minimize disruptions, the reception and conference areas are strategically located to separate visitors from key work areas. The largest conference room boasts a prime view overlooking Target Field, Home of the Minnesota Twins, and serves as a highlight of the office.
Aesthetically, the space takes visual cues from the beloved parks and lakes of Minnesota. Featuring a modern yet industrial style, the thoughtful use of dark and light colors, softened with neutral tones, work with wood textures and patterns to create a sense of movement and vitality within the space. Challenged by low overhead heights and existing ducting, FCA implemented an open ceiling overlaid with warm wood and flowing felt ceiling baffles, reminiscent of the Northern Lights, to provide a visually stunning contrast between the industrial and modern architectural elements of the project.
Completed in May 2024, Fox Rothschild’s Minneapolis headquarters exemplifies a successful blend of progressive law office design, practical functionality, and a deep connection to the local environment. FCA's cohesive and inspiring workspace design underscores Fox's commitment to providing a supportive and engaging environment for all its staff.
