Shapiro Admin opens renovated flexible workspace as part of Workspace Modernization Project

As part of Pennsylvania‘s Workspace Modernization Project, the Shapiro Administration has opened a renovated flexible workspace at Forum Place.

The 2025-26 state budget includes the first dedicated statewide funding for the Space Optimization & Utilization Project (SOUP), which allows Pennsylvania to modernize facilities, reduce its footprint, and deliver tens of millions in taxpayer savings. The budget invests more than $15 million in the project, a statewide effort to reduce leased space, improve workplace quality, and deliver long-term savings.

“This budget gives us the tools to modernize state government at scale,” said Budget Secretary Uri Monson, who was joined in a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Department of General Services (DGS) Executive Deputy Secretary Sandra Aguilera and Deputy for Administration and Real Estate Services Cathy Califano.

“With dedicated SOUP funding, we can accelerate projects like this one at Forum Place, replacing outdated and inefficient space with modern workplaces that support flexibility, collaboration, and provide better service to Pennsylvanians,” added Monson.

One of the largest SOUP undertakings to date, The Forum Place modernization covers approximately 150,000 square feet across 12 agencies. According to a release, the project shows how SOUP funding is enabling faster timelines, consistent design standards, and better use of public assets statewide.

The transformation at Forum Place includes the following:

• A 60% improvement in the average square footage per seat from 315 to 195, resulting in higher building occupancy rates.
• Standardized finish selections, accelerating design decisions by 75% and decreasing project timelines and cost.
• Modern meeting and collaboration rooms are equipped with improved technology standards to streamline scheduling and hybrid participation.
• Concierge-style relocation support, enabling agencies to transition faster and with minimal disruption.
• A 14-month delivery timeline, beating industry estimates for projects of this scope.

“Our flagship renovation at the 503 North Office Building set the standard for what modern, efficient state office space can look like, and it has become the model that other agencies are now following,” said DGS Secretary Reggie McNeil. “Today’s transformation at Forum Place builds directly on that success—showing how consistent design, smarter use of space, and agency partnership can deliver real value for taxpayers while creating the contemporary workplaces our employees deserve.”

DGS completed 23 optimization projects in FY 2024/25 that reduced the state’s footprint by more than 103,000 square feet and delivered over $3.5 million in lease savings. DGS is on track this year to save more than $6.1 million, nearly double its original goal, per the release.

The Office of Administration, which partnered with DGS throughout the Forum Place redesign, stated the importance of modernized workplaces in supporting Pennsylvania’s talent strategy.

“Modern, flexible offices like this one send a clear message that Pennsylvania state government is investing in its people and workplaces to deliver results for Pennsylvania,” said Secretary of Administration Neil Weaver. “We are adapting our technology to the way teams work with tools to foster innovation and creativity across departments and enable secure work-from-anywhere productivity.”