Centralized operations for staff and canine compatriots

A cutting-edge life sciences research campus in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, CORE business park seeks to attract innovative entrepreneurs and established leaders focused on advancing STEM-related research, health, and education. Upon completing the master plan for this development site, Flad also provided full architectural services for one of the business park's first tenants, Mercedes Scientific.

Mercedes Scientific is a privately held, woman-owned (and dog-friendly!) medical distribution company originally based in Sarasota. After outgrowing their existing office space where staff was scattered across three separate buildings, the organization turned to Flad for the development of their new 60,000-square-foot corporate office and distribution center located within the CORE campus.

Utilizing a post-modern industrial design, the building features decorative metal panels framing the entrance and exposed structural components, including piping and HVAC duct socks. Modern linear lights mixed with linear acoustic baffles are suspended over the two-story office space to provide consistent light and attenuate noise. A combination of neutral grays offers a modern, calming appeal while pops of red highlight the Mercedes Scientific brand.

With all staff now centrally located in one building, the lower level office space houses all teams in clusters of open, spacious cubicles. Flexible breakout space provides areas for collaboration and future expansion, while private team manager offices and conference rooms line the building exterior. A state-of-the-art break area includes an exterior terrace, filled with covered seating and outdoor space for staff and their dogs to enjoy.

The second level office boasts a mezzanine feel, housing executive private offices and additional break areas, reinforcing the open and collaborative nature of the work environment.

The new warehouse is more than twice the size of their previous facility, featuring 24-foot high ceilings and multiple dock doors to meet daily shipping demands. Massive ceiling fans keep the space cool and comfortable while dedicated freezer space maintains delicate, temperature-sensitive supplies.

"We really went from worst-case scenario to best-case scenario," says Alex Miller, CEO. "The move has affected morale more than anything else…[and] to have everyone in the same place, rather than spread out over three buildings, has been invigorating for the entire team."