Spaces bathed in natural light greet those who walk into Marvin’s Warroad headquarters, which has undergone its first renovation in over 30 years.

In an office setting, it’s not common to see that much light – and connectivity to the outdoors. People notice the difference almost immediately, says Meg Comstock, senior manager of workspace experience at Marvin.

The windows and doors manufacturer is headquartered where it was founded in 1912 in Warroad.

Christine Marvin, chief marketing and experience officer of Marvin, says the company finished renovations March. Marvin tapped commercial architecture firm HGA to design the space, which spans more than 75,000 square feet.

“Our headquarters … serves numerous purposes for a variety of Marvin teams,” Marvin says. “Here we have everything from individual workspaces to expansive training facilities with a wide range of meeting spaces throughout to serve groups of two to three to groups of 200.”

Comstock says there was a focus on providing spaces for employees to focus on their individual health while in the office.

“These [spaces] intentionally considers employees’ personal well-being, with spaces for quiet reflection or recharge in an area like the Northwoods Retreat, equipped with puzzles and reading materials, and ideal for meditation,” Comstock says. “This also includes room to prioritize individual health, such as the well-being room equipped with blood pressure equipment and first aid supplies, or the two thoughtfully appointed mother’s rooms.”

Marvin leaders say they prioritized outdoor space for employees in the updated HQ, which features an outdoor walking path, a patio with fireplace and gathering areas, vegetable garden beds, and a rental bike program.

Marvin notes that the renovation helped the company reimagine the work environment.

“This redesign also takes employee satisfaction and retention into consideration,” Marvin says. “Employees were part of the process, providing insights in Marvin’s annual employee survey, focus groups, and other touchpoints along the way to reflect what’s most important to teams in our workspace.”

Comstock says the renovation started in April 2018 and took a year-long pause in construction during the pandemic. She declined to share the cost of the renovation.

Most of the 1,700 Warroad employees have a hybrid schedule with time in the office and time working from home, according to Marvin. Comstock says there’s a certain energy in the office when employees are there.

“We welcome Marvin dealer partners, builders, architects, contractors, interior designers and many other guests for a behind-the-scenes look at how Marvin windows and doors are developed and manufactured,” she says. “Our training team also hosts a variety of training programs for guests, and we often host special events in our spaces.”

Besides for the pandemic pause, the project otherwise remained on schedule, Comstock says.

Company leaders aimed to balance old and new in the renovations. For instance, Marvin made it a point to to incorporate the company’s 112-year history in the new space. But Comstock also noted that the world is changing, and the company needed to adapt to “rise to the occasion.”

“We hear from our teams that they want to gather in new and meaningful ways when they are in the office, and connection with colleagues is a top priority,” Comstock says. “Consequently, our workspaces need to deliver on this to foster engaging connectivity to make the office a beneficial and rewarding place to be.”

Adds Marvin: “I hope our teams feel a sense of pride calling Marvin HQ in Warroad their work home and that this workspace truly delivers on what people need to work creatively, efficiently and effectively in a space that energizes connections.”

Who: Marvin
Where: 401 State Ave N, Warroad, Minn.
Size: 75,000 square feet
Designer: HGA