Skanska Property Poland has laid the cornerstone for the Maraton office building, the company’s second investment in Poznan. The project located in the business and cultural center of the city will become one of the most important points on the business map in the Wielkopolska region.
Representatives from Poznan's city authorities, Skanska Property Poland as well as the architectural studio responsible for the building’s design took part in the ceremony along with a special guest - Jerzy Skarżyński, the marathon runner and author of books that promote running. The foundation act was signed by Jacek Jaśkowiak – Mayor of Poznan, Łukasz Kaleciński – Regional Director at Skanska Property Poland, Krzysztof Andrulewicz – President of Skanska S.A and Karol Fiedor from CDF Architekci.
“Maraton's presence on the investment market in Poznan undoubtedly improves the city's economic attractiveness. The development of office real estate facilities in the city is one of its main determinants. An object with great potential both in terms of business and numerous types of activities will be developed within one of the most prestigious locations in the city", says Jacek Jaśkowiak, Mayor of Poznan.
The development of the building’s first phase was launched in January 2015. Currently, construction works are being conducted on the scheme’s third floor above ground. The investment’s completion is scheduled for Q4 2016. Maraton will offer its tenants over 25,000 sqm of modern office space on six floors above ground and two below together with 300 parking places, 12 charging stations for electrical cars and facilities for cyclists including shower cubicles and bicycle repair points. Furthermore, the project’s design also includes a publicly available urban square with fountains.
“Poznan is a city with great potential that we would want to exploit while developing Maraton. The new building will combine the most important features of an innovative office building. Its design was prepared with a focus on companies interested in flexible office space adjusted to the needs of employees. The investment is undoubtedly distinguished by its excellent, central location in close proximity to the city’s main communication arteries as well as the appliance of green, user-friendly solutions,” says Łukasz Kaleciński, Regional Director at Skanska Property Poland.
Maraton will link modern office building construction with the historical background of the place where it will be created. The building’s main hall will display part of a 19th century wall of Poznan Fortress, discovered during the construction works. Furthermore, the outline of the old fortification’s location will be shown on the building’s patio.
"Situating the building within the urban context of the city was a crucial factor while working on the design of Maraton. The final shape of the object was created on the basis of research and analyses of its surroundings. Therefore, we focused on harmonious facade features reflecting the adjoining academic building of the University of Physical Education - an icon of modernism in Poznan. Most of all, the Maraton building comprises architecture that is specifically designed for people, and not for its own sake. The forecourt consists of a meticulously planned urban space open to both the building's users and the city's residents. Furthermore, cutting-edge technical, and green solutions will generate reductions in overheads as well as a comfortable working environment", says Karol Fiedor from CDF Architekci.
The building is located in close proximity to the Old Town, Stary Browar arts and shopping center as well as sports locations including KS Warta Poznan club and the University of Physical Education. The proximity of such buildings and its location on Maratońska Street determined the building’s sports-related name.
Maraton was designed in accordance with the principles of sustainable building which will provide comfortable working conditions, reductions in overhead costs for tenants and a minimal impact on the environment. Green solutions, confirmed by an LEED Gold certificate, will result in minimum 25% lower energy consumption and minimum 45% lower water consumption compared to local norms. Furthermore, the building will be well-served by public transport as it will be developed in the vicinity of numerous urban transport stops. In addition, the trip from Maraton to Dworzec Główny will only take a few minutes. The building’s functional advantages will be accompanied by numerous services points and street furniture including grassed terraces on its roof.
Architectural studio CDF Architekci is responsible for the building’s design. Skanska S.A. is the scheme’s general contractor while Skanska Property Poland is responsible for the building’s commercialization.