Stamford-based The Ashforth Co. announced that Willis of Connecticut L.L.C., a business unit of Willis Group Holdings, a global risk adviser, insurance and reinsurance broker, will relocate to 3001 Stamford Square on Summer Street for its new Stamford office.
Willis of Connecticut marks the third company Ashforth has secured for its tenant portfolio in the last three months.
Moving approximately 26 employees from its current 101 Merritt 7, Norwalk, location, Willis will occupy approximately 9,500 square feet on the third floor of the building developed, owned and managed by Ashforth at 3001 Summer St.
Willis has more than 18,000 employees in more than 400 offices around the world.
“Pitney Bowes, O”™Connor Davies and Willis are outstanding new additions to our 3001 Stamford Square roster and constitute an impressive ”˜hat trick”™ for our team,” said Darrell Harvey, co-CEO of The Ashforth Co.
Pitney Bowes signed a lease in the beginning of March for approximately 74,000 square feet on the top two floors of the building. CPA and consulting firm O”™Connor Davies signed in March to occupy 11,000 square feet of space on the fifth floor. An existing tenant, Genworth, signed a new lease for 45,000 square feet in April and is moving from the second floor to the third floor of the building.
“Our new office space creates a very collaborative work environment for associates, which will allow us to more effectively serve and create maximum value for our clients,” said Joe Gunn, national partner, Northeast region, Willis North America.
Ashforth recently completed a multimillion-dollar renovation of 3001 Stamford Square in 2012. Roger Ferris + Partners, of Westport, designed the remake.
The property consists of 290,000 square feet of office space on seven floors with four levels of underground parking. The renovation features a modern lobby, full-service café, state-of-the-art fitness center and a private shuttle to and from the Stamford train station.
“Our recent renovation was designed to meet the changing needs of today”™s work environment,” said Richard Battista, executive vice president of The Ashforth Co. “This along with our continued leasing momentum reconfirms 3001 as one of the premier buildings in Stamford.”
Willis is expected to move in the third quarter of 2014. A.P. Construction Co., Ashforth”™s construction division, will complete the renovation.
Willis joins other current 3001 Stamford Square tenants that include KPMG and Navigators.
Ed Tonnessen, managing director of JLL, the exclusive leasing agent for 3001 Stamford Square, represented Ashforth. Laura Finamore and Steve Baker of Cushman & Wakefield represented the tenant.
