Oakland, CA — Ellis Partners, on behalf of Jack London Square Ventures, and Sungevity today announced that the leading solar provider will expand its headquarters at Oakland’s Jack London Square to 68,000 square feet. The expanded office space includes its current square footage in the historic 66 Franklin Street building and increased space located in the newly constructed 55 Harrison Street Building. Sungevity is adding the space to facilitate its rapid business and workforce growth, due in part to the company’s successful East Coast expansion and new partnership with home improvement retailer, Lowe’s.
“Jack London Square is proud to be housing prominent companies in emerging industries, such as green technology, that support local businesses including on on-site retailers and restaurants,” said Will Miller, Vice President of Leasing for Ellis Partners LLC. “This is another great step towards cultivating relationships with growing businesses focused on renewable energy and sustainability, a core value of Jack London Square’s ongoing revitalization.”
Sungevity’s headquarters will be located on the third floor of the new LEED silver certified 55 Harrison Street building at Jack London Square. A prime waterfront location, the building features decks and sweeping water and city views.
“We are very pleased with the rapid growth of our business and the opportunity to share our success with the City of Oakland as we expand our presence at Jack London Square,” said Andrew Birch, Sungevity’s Chief Executive Officer.
Sungevity previously had been leasing 19,000 square feet at the historic 66 Franklin Street building at Jack London Square. Sungevity’s rapid growth has required additional office space, which Jack London Square Ventures provided. The waterfront property supported Sungevity’s need to create an employee center with a campus feel, including easy access to public transportation and accessibility to a range of local business and services for its employees, including retail and dining options.
“The emerging clean and green technology industries are a priority focus for the City of Oakland and we’re honored to have growing companies such as Sungevity choosing us as a base,” said Mayor Jean Quan of Oakland. “Oakland’s central location, highly educated workforce, consistent ranking as one of the top green cities in the nation and great arts and restaurant scene attract leaders like Sungevity – making Oakland both a thriving economy and attractive destination for both work and pleasure.”
Since its founding in 2007, Sungevity has rapidly become a leader in the residential solar power industry. Sungevity is unique among solar providers with its revolutionary internet-based system for providing home estimates to consumers, bringing “Sunshine Online.” Sungevity’s proprietary software uses satellite images and aerial photography to remotely and accurately assess a home’s solar potential. The system measures available roof space, determines the tilt and direction the roof, and identifies possible shade obstacles that might interfere with a solar installation. Sungevity then designs two to five system size options, taking into account all available rebates and incentives to provide the most affordable solar solution for your home. Sungevity consultants personally design every system to fit specific solar goals. While most traditional solar companies require an onsite assessment, Sungevity and its Network of Preferred Installers save consumers time and money by bringing this process online.
Jack London Square Ventures was represented by brokers Ryan Hattersley, Daniel Bisabri and Matt Griffin of Cushman and Wakefield. Sungevity was represented brokers by Marc Ward and Mike Rafetto, partners at Cassidy Turley BT Commercial.
About Sungevity:
Sungevity’s online iQuote process and Solar Lease program make it easy and affordable for homeowners to benefit from solar power. Leveraging web-based solar analytics and satellite imagery, Sungevity can provide homeowners with a firm, same day quote without a home visit and provide savings on their electricity bills. This affordability and ease of use, combined with Sungevity’s solar social network strategy, is all part of Sungevity’s mission to accelerate solar into the mainstream. In late July, Sungevity formally announced its expansion to five Northeast states including Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York, with the “Rooftop Revolution” campaign. In May, the company announced a significant retail partnership with Lowe’s, the world’s second largest home improvement retailer. For more information, visit Sungevity.com.
About Jack London Square Ventures:
Jack London Square Ventures is a partnership between Ellis Partners LLC and DivcoWest.
About DivcoWest:
Founded more than 18 years ago in Northern California, DivcoWest has become one of the nation’s leading fully integrated real estate investment and management firms. In addition to investing more than $1.3 billion in equity, DivcoWest has acquired more than 22 million square feet of high-level commercial space in locations throughout the US. The company has offices in Boston and San Francisco. www.divcowest.com.
Editor’s Note: For interviews with Ellis Parnters LLC or additional information, please contact Erin Hunt Moore at 415-359-2318 or erin@landispr.com. For interviews with or further information about Sungevity, please contact John Ordona at 510-496-5673 or jordona@sungevity.com.