A tired corporate high-rise lobby and cafeteria is bursting with fresh energy and fresh food options after a re-imagining by Amenta Emma Architects. The 19-story, Class A, office building at 111 Founders Plaza in East Hartford shed its dowdy 1972-era interiors and now boasts a light, airy color palette of materials and finishes. 
Existing gym facilities were relocated, allowing cafeteria seating area to be expanded for alternative seating options. Banquette seating and farm-style tables function as collaborative meeting spaces for building tenants during off hours. To reduce crowding at peak times, the servery was expanded and new stations such as “grab & go” self-service, soup, beverage, condiment and large salad bar were added. A new tile floor connects the building lobby to the cafeteria via a new glass door entry. The main seating area and servery ceiling is exposed to the metal deck above, with a linear metal ceiling cloud connecting the two spaces.
As we reported in a blog (February 2018) , landlords understand they must add vibrancy to their properties to remain competitive. Today’s workers want environments and public spaces that evoke community. 
111 Founders Plaza is an example of a radical transformation with a limited project budget that will pay big dividends to its tenants.
Awards & Recognitions
Amenta Emma and the  Housatonic Community College Lafayette Hall  Project Team were honored with both the Connecticut Building Congress First Place: Major Renovations  award and the 2 019 Project Team of the Year award. The CBC recognizes outstanding building projects that exemplify project team excellence and represent the best practices in teamwork by project owners, architects, engineers, constructors and trades.
Monthly News & Updates

Be on the lookout for the next Orange Pop! - Amenta Emma's eNewsletter for project highlights. And visit amentaemma.com for more News updates.