Under Armour unveils plans for downsized Baltimore HQ
Robin Driver
Apr 22, 2021
American sportswear company Under Armour has revealed that the plans for its new global headquarters
in Port Covington, Baltimore, have been “reimagined for a post-Covid environment” with multi-functional spaces designed for hybrid work practices.
Located on a 50-acre plot purchased by the company in 2016, the new HQ will bring together Under Armour’s global corporate and Americas regional functions at a single site, a move that is expected to significantly improve operational efficiencies and innovation capabilities.
Furthermore, as reported by outlets including WWD and The Business Journals, the revised vision for the new headquarters centers around a corporate office that is 40% smaller than originally planned, reflecting the fact that many employees will adopt a hybrid from-home / in-office work model after the pandemic.
According to Under Armour, as well as multi-functional office spaces, its new headquarters will also include a retail destination and an athletic venue featuring an NCAA-regulation track and field facility, a multi-sport playing field and basketball courts.
These sporting facilities will serve as a testing ground for Under Armour’s innovation, product development and sports marketing, but will also be available to the company’s teammates and the Baltimore community through shared-use agreements and special events.
“The campus will represent the future of performance grounded in innovation, that embodies the ethos we live, breathe, and sweat as a team every single day,” said Under Armour CEO and president Patrik Frisk in a release. “We are excited to continue our commitment to the City of Baltimore and provide an even better workspace for teammates, a new retail location and a best-in-class athletic facility, as we plan for the future of the brand.”
The headquarters has also been planned in line with Under Armour’s sustainability goals. The company’s targets include reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and using 80% renewable energy by 2025.
“In planning our new global headquarters, we utilized industry-leading commercial experts to consult on the campus’ design,” explained Under Armour’s SVP for Real Estate, Neil Jurgens. “In line with one of our core values, Act Sustainably, the campus will include several sustainable and intelligent building design features that align with our commitment to environmental responsibility, including substantially lowering the company’s carbon footprint and energy usage, while contributing to the overall success of the greater Baltimore community.”
Under Armour expects its new HQ to be fully occupied by 2025.