Academia-industry mashup: Cultural, academic, professional, and now, physical alignment offers a new vision for Baltimore’s creative community
idfive, Baltimore-based integrated marketing and communications firm, and the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) announce the first lease of 81 Mosher Street, MICA's planned collaboration space, formerly occupied by engineering firm RK&K.
MICA acquired the 50,000-square-foot building in 2017 as part of an ongoing campus expansion. idfive will utilize 9,500-square-feet on the 3rd floor to house its growing 40-plus workforce. During the first quarter of 2018, idfive hired six new “fivers.” The new office will provide room for additional second and third quarter hires as well as more collaborative and creative work spaces and offices.
“Our creative department is not only bolstered by MICA graduates, there are also several idfive team members who teach at MICA,” says idfive Creative Director, Matt McDermott. “It’s a bit of a homecoming for us. I expect our new office will provide even more opportunities to work with alums and make an impact at the front of the classroom.”
“MICA and idfive have a shared vision of a thriving and diverse creative community that will put Baltimore on the map as a top city for both art and design students, as well as creative professionals,” said Andres Zapata, idfive co-founder. “We’re excited to bring our operation to the MICA campus and honored to continue our commitment to Baltimore City."
Bronwyn E. LeGette and Matthew Seward from Cushman & Wakefield represented idfive in the transaction.
"idfive was very specific in both the product type and geographic location they were seeking," said Bronwyn LeGette, Director at Cushman & Wakefield. "Nestled in the MICA campus, the building is a cool, adaptive re-use factory building with high ceilings, exposed brick and ductwork, free parking and unrivaled signage visibility to I-83."
“The 117-year old building will provide a creative and unique environment for companies. Our vision for 81 Mosher is to attract reputable and creatives like those at idfive,” said Samuel Hoi, MICA President. “We believe that having idfive on campus will create exciting and rewarding opportunities for both the MICA community and idfive.”
The integrated marketing firm will move into the new space in June, 2018.
About idfive
As an integrated marketing agency, idfive exists to amplify the good done by brands on a mission. Born in the digital age and raised in Baltimore, the agency uses research and user experience to guide their web design, development, communications, media and branding practices for a broad range of clients—including higher education, nonprofits, consumer packaged goods and healthcare. Honored for award-winning work, and revered for its enviable company culture, idfive’s 40-plus-person team strives to produce great work for brands it believes in. idfive operates offices in Baltimore, MD and Medellín, Colombia. For more information, visit: idfive.com
About MICA
MICA (Maryland Institute College of Art) is an art and design college in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1826 as the "Maryland Institute for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts", making it one of the oldest art colleges in the United States. MICA has become the leader in the education of artists and designers by fostering a community of talented, creative individuals committed to redefining the boundaries of art and design and to expanding their own vision and perspective through rigorous study. For more information, visit: mica.edu.
About Cushman & Wakefield
Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global real estate services firm that helps clients transform the way people work, shop, and live. Our 45,000 employees in more than 70 countries help investors and occupiers optimize the value of their real estate by combining our global perspective and deep local knowledge.
