JL Properties Anchorage Lobby Refresh
Systemcenter Project 28173
Designing a destination that brings people together—and drives business forward.
JL Properties, a leading real estate development and property management firm in Anchorage, Alaska, set out to transform the lobby of one of their managed buildings into a vibrant, high-use space. Their mission was to activate the space, turning the lobby into a true communal hub that enhances the tenant experience and fuels on-site commercial business throughout the building like a local copy shop, Kaladi Brother Coffee located in the lobby of the building.
Prior to the project, the lobby saw minimal use. Tenants rarely left their office suites, and the space lacked the kind of atmosphere that encouraged casual meetings, spontaneous connection, or a midday recharge. JL recognized the missed opportunity: if more tenants were drawn into the shared space, it would create a ripple effect—boosting foot traffic, energizing the environment, and driving more business to the coffee shop and other amenities.
Systemcenter’s Consultative Approach
Systemcenter partnered closely with JL Properties to bring this vision to life—guiding them through every step of product selection, space planning, logistics and installation coordination. Our consultative approach included showroom visits, live design sessions with our in house design team, and collaborative floor plan reviews, allowing JL’s team to make real-time decisions and feel confident in the outcome.
By combining our commercial design expertise with JL’s insight into tenant behavior, we created a solution that aligned aesthetic goals with functional intent. The experience was seamless, transparent, and ultimately led to continued partnership.
The Design Solution
Rather than starting from scratch, we proposed a hybrid approach—blending thoughtfully selected new furniture with reupholstered existing pieces. JL selected a finish palette that worked in harmony with the building’s abundant natural light and locally curated artwork, creating a warm, cohesive, and welcoming environment.
Key selections included:
- Haworth Maari and Poppy lounge chairs for soft, flexible seating
- Mexique side tables by Cassina, selected in a mix of natural wood finishes, adding sculptural style and everyday usability
- Haworth Cultivate Table in standing height, provides a shared work surface that fosters community and encourages casual interaction
- Reupholstered soft seating by Undercutters Upholstery & Handyman Services, giving existing pieces new life with durable, modern fabrics
This curated mix invites a variety of uses—from solo coffee breaks to informal team huddles and casual conversations.
Project Outcome
The refreshed JL lobby is now a lively, multi-purpose gathering place where tenants choose to spend time—and where local businesses benefit from the increased activity. With modern finishes, comfortable seating, and an atmosphere built for community, the space has become a destination in itself—boosting engagement, encouraging connection, and supporting the long-term vitality of the building.
