Real estate investment management firms Clarion Partners and Marcus Partners, announced that Datto, Inc., one of the fastest-growing information technology firms in the world, leased 100,398 s/f for its global headquarters at Merritt 7 Corporate Park, the six-building, 1.4 million square foot Class–A office park in Norwalk.
“Datto is a premier technology company whose business is rapidly growing,” said Margaret Egan, senior vice president, Clarion Partners. “Having them select Merritt 7 for their global headquarters speaks to the successful atmosphere we provide for tenants across many industries.” We have been consciously focused on creating an environment that is inviting and inspirational to a whole new 21st century workforce. The execution of this lease is testament to this approach.”
Datto, a leading backup, disaster recovery and business continuity solution provider, will occupy the entire fifth, sixth, and seventh floors of Building 101 Merritt 7 for an 11-year term. The deal is considered the largest lease transaction in Fairfield County year-to-date.
“Datto is a global company, and we are pleased that we found a way to keep our corporate headquarters in Connecticut” said Austin McChord, Datto Founder and CEO. “After a thorough search of options in the office market, we ultimately decided that Merritt 7’s central location and world-class amenities made Merritt 7 the best location for our growing company.”
“Datto is a leader in their industry and we are thrilled they chose Merritt 7 as the place to expand their global headquarters,” said David Fiore of Marcus Partners. “The extensive renovations we’ve completed here have resulted in a significantly enhanced office environment that evokes a modern feel and elevates the property to maximize the benefits for our tenants.
Datto was represented by Paul Jacobs, Colin Reilly and Barbara Segalini of CBRE. Clarion Partners was represented by David Fiore and JoAnn Brennan-McGrath of Marcus Partners.
“Datto had some very specific requirements as their business is in motion on a 24/7 basis. We worked very closely and creatively with Datto to provide them with the operational flexibility they require and to provide a dynamic environment for this new generation of employees – one that fosters creativity and flexibility,” said Ms. McGrath, Marcus Partners’ director of leasing for Merritt 7. “Datto is one of the top firms of its kind in its sector and we are elated we consummate this transaction.”
An extensive capital improvement program at Merritt 7 is substantially complete featuring major contemporary upgrades to the interior and exterior of the property, with `modernized common areas, entryways, main lobbies, corridors and restrooms that include new designs and finishes. Starbucks Cafés, an executive dining room/conference center, smaller conference rooms, upgrades to the full-service cafeteria, an expanded and remodeled fitness facility and telecommunications upgrades have also been implemented. A concierge function and associated office were installed as was the installation of a new park-wide state-of-the-art security system.
Newly enhanced exterior features include improved landscaping, luminescent plaza lighting, new outdoor furniture and seating areas, and building monument signs along Route 7 and at building entrances.
Located on a 22-acre campus setting along the Norwalk River, Merritt 7’s six buildings feature landscaped plazas, technologically advanced infrastructure, sustainable design features and extensive on-site amenities. Merritt 7 is located adjacent to the Merritt 7 Metro North station and is in close proximity to Fairfield County’s major highways and area amenities. Merritt 7 has been recognized and awarded for its energy conservation efforts, including LEED EB certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) for buildings 101, 301, 401, 501 and 601 and the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR rating. The property is home to some of Norwalk’s largest corporations, including EMCOR; FactSet Research Systems; Financial Accounting Foundation (FAF); General Electric; HEI; IPSOS; Mercer; and Siemens. For more information on Merritt 7, visit www.merritt7.com.
