This week New Balance employees began work at the company’s new global headquarters, a structure resembling a ship that rises over the Massachusetts Turnpike in the northwestern edge of Boston. Company CEO Robert DeMartini said its roughly 600 corporate office workers have been moving into the 250,000-square-foot space over the last 10 days.
Architect David Manfredi said the oblong structure, which others have described as sneaker-like, was inspired by the company’s shoe factory in Lawrence, which is housed in an old brick mill building.
‘‘It’s a truly modern building that allows us to collaborate the way millennials work today,’’ said DeMartini, as company officials gave reporters a tour of the grounds Thursday morning. ‘‘There’s much less individual space and much more open and public space and much more digital and electronic engagement.”
The new headquarters — not far from its previous location — is part of 15-acre development in Boston’s Allston and Brighton neighborhoods dubbed Boston Landing. Next door, a new, 600-seat practice rink and training facility for NHL’s Boston Bruins is under construction and expected to open next fall.
Plans also call for a 5,000-seat indoor track and field complex, a 175-room boutique hotel and a new commuter rail station, along with office, retail, residential, restaurant and open space. The commuter rail station is expected to open in late 2016. Its roughly $15 million cost is also being paid by New Balance, according to reports.
Company officials on Thursday declined to disclose the costs of the new headquarters or the overall development.
The company now operates five factories in New England and one in the United Kingdom. It employs more than 5,000 workers and reported sales of $3.3 billion in 2014.
