Signal Theory and McCownGordon Construction reimagine future of work with shared office plan

Signal Theory, a brand development, marketing, and design firm focused on human-centered design, and McCownGordon Construction, a premier Midwest construction firm, creatively partnered to reimagine office space for their employees. Signal Theory will lease the 12,000-square-foot second floor of its 18,000-square-foot office at 255 N. Mead in the heart of Old Town to McCownGordon Construction, currently located at 300 N. Mead.

“Our leadership team has been very purposeful in asking our staff what the “Return To Work Plan” should look like,” said Lathi de Silva, Managing Director of Signal Theory. “We deployed in-depth surveys and looked at every potential option including a hybrid work week with a combination of work-from-home and in-office. Partnering with McCownGordon will enable our space to be efficiently utilized now that more of our team has asked for more flexibility to work remotely.”

Signal Theory will occupy the entire first floor after re-configuring and construction to accommodate for more seating for its employees. Architect Odimo, the same firm that Signal Theory used to design its new Kansas City office, will bring brand cohesion. McCownGordon will modify the second floor space with additions that fulfill its needs for 70 Wichita associates as they have outgrown their former space across the street. During the renovation process, the firms donated materials that might have been discarded to the Eagle Rescue Foundation where they will be used to create a rare bald eagle facility to house a large female eagle coming from Abilene, TX.

“In 2019, we opened McCownGordon’s Wichita office in response to business growth in the Wichita region along with requests from clients, design partners and trade partners.” said Mitch Binns, Market Leader at McCownGordon Construction. “Our growing team obviously required more space. When we learned we could partner with yet another Wichita company while keeping our flagship office in Old Town, we took the opportunity.”

The 255 N. Mead property is a marquee location situated in an ideal location for employees who want access to downtown living, entertainment and restaurants. “Signal Theory has been an anchor tenant in Old Town for 25 years,” said developer and landlord Dave Burk. “I remember when Signal Theory, then known as Sullivan Higdon & Sink, moved in and there were weeds as tall as me. Since then, their presence has spurred the growth for mixed-use space and it’s important to me and the community that they are staying in Old Town.”

The firms are excited to develop opportunities for interaction between associates and the community. “We are excited to evolve the idea of being ‘neighborly’ to a whole new concept as the future of how employees and companies transition to meet the in-office and remote work environment,” said de Silva.

Signal Theory was represented by Ryan Hubbard of NAI Martens. McCownGordon was represented by Stephanie Wise from John T. Arnold.