Image courtesy of Rockport Group

Rockport Group notified state officials of plans to eliminate 148 jobs at its Newton corporate headquarters, a converted mill building that it redesigned to attract and retain employees in 2016.

The layoffs are expected to take place between July 8 and 22, according to a notification with the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development.

Rockport touted the benefits of a walkable location and densely developed neighborhood in moving from a Canton office park to West Newton in 2017. 

Before moving to Newton, Rockport was headquartered on Reebok’s Royall Street campus, where the two shoe brands shared common corporate ownership in Adidas.

Following Rockport’s sale in 2015, executives prioritized a more urban environment before settling on the 1210 Washington St. building on the outskirts of the West Newton business district.

Before occupying the new offices in late 2017, Rockport redesigned the space for an open-office format and added outdoor amenities as a recruitment and retention strategy.

A Rockport spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

Owned by The Davis Cos., the 3-story, 90,000-square-foot converted mill building also includes Panera’s local offices.