Growing French pharmaceutical company Pierre Fabre Laboratories is joining the roster at Manulife US REIT‘s office property in Secaucus.

JLL announced the lease covering 25,000 square feet at 500 Plaza Drive April 15. The property is managed by Manulife Investment Management. The office will serve as Pierre Fabre Laboratories’ North American headquarters.

Beyond a relocation, the move also marks an expansion for the tenant from its previous Parsippany location. According to JLL, Pierre Fabre Laboratories is upgrading from its current 19,000-square-foot occupancy as part of previously announced expansion. Occupancy in Secaucus is expected in the second quarter of this year.

Pierre Fabre Labs’ new office features a modern pantry and coffee lounge, open space to collaborate as well as an outdoor terrace with views of the Manhattan skyline.

“We are delighted to welcome Pierre Fabre Laboratories to 500 Plaza Drive where recently completed and ongoing capital improvements will ensure the property remains a coveted address for leading companies,” said Manulife US REIT Chief Executive Officer Tripp Gantt.

Attracting tenants

The 466,496-square-foot, 11-story building debuted in 1985. In 2015, 500 Plaza Drive underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation designed by Gensler. Upgrades included revitalizing the lobby and common areas as well as adding a full-service cafeteria and outdoor balconies.

Work is ongoing to elevate the tenant experience. According to JLL, Manulife US REIT is replacing the HVAC and upgrading the on-site, 1,474-vehicle parking garage. Looking ahead, the shared conference and fitness centers will also see upgrades. Those will include new equipment and technology to facilitate wireless conferencing.

The property is certified to a WiredScore Platinum level of digital connectivity and is both Fitwel and BOMA 360 certified.

Situated within the 550-acre master-planned Harmon Meadow campus, hotels, office, restaurants, apartments and more paired with high accessibility add to 500 Plaza Drive’s appeal. It is at the crossroads of the New Jersey Turnpike and Route 3. Additionally, New York City is 3 miles away and Newark Liberty International Airport just 8 miles (and served by bus service). Shuttles also run weekdays to and from Secaucus Junction Train Station.

The building has a knack for attracting headquarters tenants. After previously saying it would nix its office space altogether, The Children’s Place reversed course last month. Instead, the children’s apparel retailer recommitted to the Secaucus property in a downsized, 120,000-square-foot space.

Quest Diagnostics and Hartz Mountain Industries are also based at the building.

Representation

JLL Senior Managing Director David Stifelman and Executive Managing Director Timothy Greiner, also head of New Jersey brokerage, serve as exclusive agents for 500 Plaza Drive. The pair represented Manulife US REIT in the new lease transaction. Meanwhile, Pierre Fabre Laboratories was represented by Cushman & Wakefield Executive Director Ed Duenas, Managing Director Josh Cohen and Senior Associate Ryan DePaul.

“500 Plaza Drive stands out as a premier office property in a prime location,” said Stifelman. “With institutional ownership committed to providing tenants with expertly curated and highly amenitized workspace, the property is ideal for companies seeking to attract and retain the very best talent.”