Challenge
Kidder Mathews has represented New Engen since 2017, through multiple phases of growth, contraction, and evolving workplace strategy. In early 2024, New Engen recommitted to in-office culture and leased a creative, view space at the Blue Rooster Building in Fremont.
However, in August 2025, while negotiating a 5-year extension, their landlord informed Kidder Mathews that another group wanted to lease the entire building and New Engen and other tenants would need to vacate. With the lease expiring in February 2026, this gave Kidder Mathews only six months to identify, negotiate, and secure a new office-an extremely compressed timeline.
New Engen desired to stay in the Fremont neighborhood, find a new space that would encourage employees to return to the office, and avoid a lengthy and expensive build-out.
Action
Within 24 hours of the landlord’s notice, Kidder Mathews brokers Ben Garrett and Jason Smith launched a search of the Fremont submarket focused on:
- Move-in-ready creative spaces
- High-amenity buildings with vibrant surroundings
- Class A or high-quality buildings suitable for their brand and employee experience
- Walkable proximity to their existing location to minimize disruption
Only two buildings were toured, and one clearly aligned with New Engen’s objectives: Fremont Lake Union Center, a Class A office complex in the heart of Fremont owned by Kilroy Realty.
Kidder Mathews negotiated terms on a 7,712 SF fully furnished, turnkey suite, securing favorable economics under tight timing pressure and coordinating a seamless transition.
Results
Despite being unexpectedly displaced, New Engen ultimately achieved a significant upgrade:
- High quality Class A space with premium finishes and fully furnished
- A central Fremont location with stronger amenities and employee appeal
- No construction downtime or headaches due to the move-in-ready condition
- A space that materially supports their return-to-office and culture-building goals
What began as an unwelcome disruption became a positive outcome for the organization-enhancing both the employee experience and the long-term workplace strategy.
