Popli Design Group (PDG) has officially brought its headquarters to downtown Rochester, relocating from Penfield to 220 Alexander Street after more than three decades in its previous location. The move marks a new chapter for the growing architecture and engineering firm and adds another established business to Rochester’s downtown community.
Founded in 1982, PDG has grown to more than 240 team members across seven offices throughout New York and New Jersey. The firm now occupies the top two floors of 220 Alexander Street, bringing its Rochester operations together in a centralized location designed to support collaboration and continued growth.
“We have been searching for the ideal space for quite some time. Due to our growth, we had to relocate into several additional suites apart from our main office. We needed a location that could unify our team and prepare us for the future,” said Jay Popli, Executive Vice President of Popli Design Group. “Transitioning from a suburban office to one downtown offers urban amenities, improved access for our workforce, and facilitates business growth.”
Transforming Space to Support Business Growth
Buckingham Properties’ in-house construction team led an extensive build-out to transform the largely vacant space into a modern headquarters tailored to PDG’s needs. The project included converting a dated former healthcare facility into a contemporary office environment with enhanced workspaces, upgraded technology infrastructure, and areas designed to encourage collaboration and connection.
The project represents the largest build-out Buckingham Properties’ construction team has completed in more than five years. It is also part of Buckingham’s continued investment in 220 Alexander Street, including improvements and new amenities designed to better serve current and future office tenants.
“We’re proud to welcome Popli Design Group to downtown Rochester and to have played a role in creating a headquarters that supports their current and future needs,” said Aaron Malbone, VP of Construction & Development at Buckingham Properties. “When a company chooses to locate or retain its location downtown, it has an impact on the entire Greater Rochester area. It brings people into the city, creates activity, and reinforces downtown Rochester as a place where businesses can grow and invest in their future.”
Buckingham Properties worked alongside a team of project partners to complete the transformation and prepare the space for PDG’s new headquarters.
“Our experience with Buckingham has been a collaborative one. Their team has been patient, knowledgeable, and accessible for our needs,” said Popli.
PDG’s move reflects the opportunity for established companies to grow in downtown Rochester while contributing to the continued investment and activity shaping the city’s commercial landscape.
Project Partners
Buckingham Properties would like to thank the following project partners who contributed to the transformation of PDG’s Rochester office: KA&S Construction, CM Armitage, Isaac HVAC, Precision Commercial Cleaning, Renaissance Group, Gypsum Systems, Empire Fence, Messner Flooring, Mark Peacock Painting & Wallcovering, Weswood Specialties, Omni Security, First Choice Glass, Archwood Inc., Foundation Building Materials, Dival Safety & Supplies, McClain Associates, Empire Tech Solutions, and ROI Office Interiors.
