DIX & EATON

PLAYHOUSE SQUARE HEADQUARTERS

27,594 Square Feet

Cleveland, Ohio

Architecture, Interior Design, FF&E

After years in Cleveland’s Public Square, Dix & Eaton set out to create a new headquarters that would support its continued growth and evolving workplace culture. The firm selected two upper floors of the historic Bulkley Building in the heart of Playhouse Square, one of Cleveland’s most creative and energetic neighborhoods, as its new home.

This redesign was done in tandem with a larger $44 million renovation of the Bulkley Building, a long-underutilized structure built in 1921. The Dix & Eaton project played an integral role in reactivating the space. The new headquarters not only brings energy and activity back to a key piece of Cleveland’s architectural heritage but also aligns with Playhouse Square’s broader mission to create a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood where people can live, work, and play.

Along with Whiting-Turner as the construction team, DVA Architecture's goal was to design a modern, welcoming office that reflects Dix & Eaton’s brand, fosters collaboration, and encourages in-person connection. The space honors the building’s historic character while introducing sleek, timeless design elements. Each employee has a private office to support focused work, but the layout also includes open areas, lounges, and breakout spaces that support hybrid work styles and encourage flexibility and collaboration.

A new monumental stair links the two floors, promoting movement and cross-team interaction. It was carefully designed to preserve the historic integrity of the building while meeting tax credit requirements. Brand colors, graphics, and curated furnishings bring energy to the space without overwhelming the classic architecture.

Premium amenities, such as a cafe, rooftop lounge, and tech-enabled meeting spaces, were thoughtfully incorporated to enhance the workplace experience and make it worth the commute. The design prioritizes well-being and work-life balance at a time when many firms are rethinking the role of the office. Since opening, many employees are choosing to come into the office more than required, a testament to its comfort, functionality, and sense of connection.

As CEO Chas Withers shared, “We want the office to be a destination of choice for people… a place you want to come to because there’s a vibrancy and energy and creativity to it.”

Dix & Eaton’s new headquarters serves a purpose beyond just a place to work, it’s a space that inspires, connects, and sets the stage for the firm’s future.