A longstanding Cleveland corporate headquarters is lighting up a new space in the Downtown skyline.
Cleveland-based Oswald Companies moved into the former Ernst & Young Tower on the east bank of the Flats in October. Three floors of the building, now called Oswald Tower, are occupied by the insurance and risk management brokerage that has called Cleveland its headquarters for over 130 years. Ernst & Young moved to the North Point Tower at East Ninth Street and Lakeside Avenue last year.
Known for being an employee-owned company, Oswald is one of nation’s largest independent insurance brokerage and risk management firms. Several hundred of the company’s employees were moved from the previous space at 1100 Superior Ave. to offices on floors 14, 15 and 18 of the new Flats location. Their space also includes a large first-floor conference center.
Robert J. Klonk, chairman and CEO, says that the move underscores the company’s commitment to the city of Cleveland.
“Oswald has been in Cleveland for over 130 years,” says Klonk. “We are among a very small group of companies that are still here after all those years. We are proud to be in the city and to start this exciting new chapter.”
The company’s search for the new space included significant input from its employee owners. Jessica Jung, president, explains that their priorities ranged from workspace needs to life-quality amenities.
“We went on a mission asking our team what they were looking for in a space,” she says. “The priorities ranged from wanting more collaborative spaces, including a bigger conference room, to easy access to workout facilities and coffee shops. The conference center allows us more space and gives our employees the collaborative space they deserve to be in.”
Oswald’s large first-floor conference center is a hub for staff and clients. It includes a coffee bar and an outdoor patio. As part of Oswald’s commitment to the community, the space also is available for use by nonprofit organizations free of charge. This service was offered in the Superior Avenue space, as well.
Employees also can use the new Browns Fit gym, which Jung says was a big draw.
“Our new location has so many amenities,” she adds. “The area is upbeat and energetic. Every side of the building has great views and is so bright. It even has a rooftop space for our employees.”
Klonk says that the new space may be a factor for some employees to choose to spend more time in the office. A recent study by Downtown Cleveland illustrates the growing in-office trend. It showed an increasing return-to-office rate in August of 70% of workers and office space occupancy rising to 81.9%.
Oswald is in line with this with its hybrid work environment and designated in-office collaboration days.
“It creates a workspace that is inviting and in a great area,” adds Klonk. “Employees are going to want to come to the area and have a great workspace, too.
“We have the best talent in the industry, and the new facility helps us to continue to attract new talent to our team,” he says. “All this ultimately benefits our clients.”
Oswald partnered with longtime Flats developer, the Wolstein Group, on the move.
“This is a good example of two Cleveland-based organizations coming together for the greater good of our region,” says Klonk.
“The move is good for the city and good for our employees. We are thriving and are ready to continue to do what we can to help the city grow.”
