SignArt Inc. Corporate Headquarters
Location
nORTH rEADING, ma
Size
13,570sf
The SignArt Inc. Headquarters represents a bold transformation of a former mixed-use industrial site into a contemporary office and workshop facility that reflects both the client’s brand and a new era of light-industrial architecture in North Reading. Located on a 1.27-acre property at 66 Winter Street, the project redevelops an underutilized site into a an expansive office and workshop/warehouse facility designed to balance efficiency, visibility, and architectural presence.
The site originally contained an existing residential home and a 6,700-square-foot CMU and metal building previously used for a trucking operation. As part of the acquisition agreement, the former owner continues to reside in the on-site residence during the initial phases of redevelopment, adding an additional layer of logistical and planning complexity. RWH Architect carefully phased the design and construction approach to ensure the continued functionality and safety of the occupied residence while allowing the new commercial building to move forward without disruption.
The new facility replaces the existing industrial structure while strategically reusing its foundations, expanding the footprint into a new 100-foot by 100-foot pre-engineered metal building. By working closely with Package Steel Systems of Sutton, Massachusetts, RWH integrated the pre-engineered building system into a cohesive architectural design that balances cost efficiency with elevated aesthetics. The roof form was carefully selected to align with the structural system while reinforcing the clean, modern industrial character requested by the client.
Architecturally, the building is defined by a refined grey and black color palette, accented with a stone knee wall that grounds the structure and adds visual weight at the pedestrian scale. Black window and door frames, along with sleek black canopies, reinforce the building’s contemporary edge. A key design focus was the creation of a prominent corner storefront that anchors the building visually, enhances brand visibility, and establishes a strong street presence. This glazed corner element introduces transparency and daylight into the office spaces while creating a striking architectural focal point.
One of the primary design challenges was elevating a pre-engineered metal building beyond a purely utilitarian appearance while remaining mindful of budget constraints. RWH addressed this by selectively enhancing the exterior envelope, using single-skin metal panels for the majority of the workshop and warehouse areas while considering insulated metal panels at the front corner to improve both thermal performance and architectural expression. This strategic material differentiation allows the public-facing portions of the building to feel refined and intentional without overextending costs.
Another challenge involved integrating modern office spaces with active workshop and warehouse functions within a single cohesive structure. RWH resolved this through clear zoning and thoughtful massing, ensuring that operational efficiency, circulation, and acoustical separation were maintained while presenting a unified exterior design. The result is a facility that functions seamlessly for daily operations while projecting a professional, forward-thinking image to clients and visitors.
The Sign Art Boston Headquarters stands as a testament to how thoughtful architectural design can transform an industrial building into a brand-forward workplace. Through careful coordination, material restraint, and a strong design vision, RWH Architect delivered a modern, efficient, and visually compelling facility that redefines expectations for light-industrial development in the area.