Basket-shaped office building on market for $8.5 million

By Dean Murray

A basket-shaped office building has been put on the market for $8.5 million.

The extraordinary property in Newark, Ohio, was formerly the headquarters of Longaberger, a basket-making company.

Designed to resemble one of the firm's products, the seven-storey building opened in 1997 on a 21.5-acre site and offers 180,000 sq ft of office space.

Shai-Hess Commercial Real Estate said the property features a media room, on-site workout facility, glass elevators overlooking the atrium, and locally sourced woodwork that "adds warmth and character to the space".

They added that the space is designed to support more than 500 employees, and includes heated underground executive parking, as well as parking for 555 vehicles.

At its peak, Longaberger employed more than 8,200 people. However, a combination of recession and changing home decor buying tastes saw the company decline.

In 2018, a note was sent out from a sales force supervisor stating that the company had ceased operations.

Social media users reacted to the news of the sale listing.

Barbie Smith wrote: "This would be an amazing senior community; small apartments and little shops."

Dixie Rollison posted: "Would make a great Casino and restaurant! I can almost bet the buyer would make their money back real fast if they would do this."

Vicki Cochran added: "I want to buy it!! Fingers crossed for winning the lottery!!"