HARRISBURG, PA — The Department of General Services (DGS) has unveiled a newly redesigned office space in Harrisburg’s North Office Building, showcasing a forward-thinking approach to optimizing state real estate utilization under the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s Space Optimization Utilization Project (SOUP). The initiative marks the first comprehensive review of the Commonwealth’s real estate portfolio, aiming to enhance operational efficiency, adapt to modern workforce needs, and generate significant taxpayer savings.
The newly launched space, located on the fifth floor of the North Office Building, serves as an example of how state agencies can reduce their physical footprint while fostering collaboration and improving overall functionality. The redesign aligns with the administration’s focus on modernizing state government workplaces and creating flexible, employee-centered environments.
Secretary of the Department of General Services Reggie McNeil underscored the importance of these efforts, stating, “We are pleased to have partnered with OA [Office of Administration] to co-create an office space that aligns to the Shapiro Administration’s priority of enhancing the use of Commonwealth office space so that state employees can better serve Pennsylvanians. The phased approach we’ve taken to modernize state government workplaces and foster flexibility, efficiency, and employees’ well-being will undoubtedly become a showcase as DGS continues to partner with its sister agencies to optimize the Commonwealth’s office footprint throughout the state.”
The 8,700-square-foot space features a range of advanced design elements tailored to meet the needs of modern offices. Employees now have access to shared open spaces awash in natural light, private rooms for confidential meetings, and flexible workstations that incorporate a “hoteling” model. Conference rooms and multi-purpose workspaces allow the site to accommodate up to 80 employees, an increase from its previous capacity of 63 workers.
The project also includes significant cost-saving measures. The office is the first state facility to adopt wireless network connectivity as its primary means of Internet access, reducing the need for frequent reconfigurations of networking infrastructure. Enhanced Wi-Fi coverage ensures consistent access to IT systems, supporting the administration’s emphasis on a “work from anywhere” model. Secretary Neil Weaver of the Office of Administration highlighted the importance of these features, saying, “Commonwealth employees need reliable access to IT systems and tools regardless of their work location. By increasing the use of secure wireless connectivity in our state office buildings, we will create a seamless experience for employees and guests that supports ‘work from anywhere’ flexibility and allows multiple agencies to utilize the same space effectively, while also ensuring that we’re meeting cybersecurity standards for the Commonwealth.”
Sustainability and efficiency were core components of the redesign. The project integrated recycled furniture from state surplus, digitized documents to remove the need for 70 file cabinets, and centralized break areas to maximize kitchen space. Construction disruptions were kept to a minimum by employing modular design solutions, including pods for private conversations. The result is a multi-functional environment that balances flexibility with cost-effectiveness, all while being delivered on time and under budget.
Deputy Secretary of Business Operations Catherine Califano noted that the changes go beyond aesthetics, representing a new standard for state workplaces. The office reflects the administration’s broader vision for state-owned facilities, aiming to centralize operations while cutting costs. The SOUP initiative, once fully implemented, is expected to reduce the Commonwealth’s leased space and generate tens of millions of dollars in savings by 2033.
By modernizing government office spaces, the Shapiro-Davis Administration continues its commitment to providing forward-thinking, efficient, and people-focused public services to Pennsylvanians. The newly redesigned office stands as a testament to the administration’s dedication to enhancing government operations and improving service delivery.
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