By Jenna Meyers
According to a recent report by Colliers, while office vacancy rates are declining, millions of square feet of commercial space remain available in Massachusetts. So, how can building owners distinguish themselves? Aside from location and access to public transit or parking, potential tenants often look for certain features before considering a building. Viewing amenities as part of a cohesive ecosystem can help create an environment that encourages tenants to gather, nourish, and nurture.
Gather
Creating spaces for employees to gather, whether for formal meetings or spontaneous catch-ups, is a large draw for tenants. Many find value in access to shared conference spaces, as it eliminates the need to create these within their own office. Larger training spaces can accommodate all-hands meetings, allowing tenants to utilize prime real estate for other purposes.
Providing informal gathering spaces as an alternative is also key, as they activate communal areas. These spaces offer employees opportunities to meet outside of their offices for impromptu meetings or breaks. Additionally, “club” rooms offer a space to relax and recharge and tend to be popular, especially if tenants can rent them out. Examples of amenities in these spaces might include a card-access after-hours kegerator, games such as golf simulators, and TVs for watching sports.
Nourish
Having a place to grab a coffee or a quick bite to eat is essential for busy workers. The building location plays a significant role in determining which food options will be most appealing to tenants. In urban areas, a focus on quick grab-and-go options, including after-hours availability, or a micro mart can help keep employees close to the office. In suburban settings, more substantial café offerings for breakfast and lunch may be more attractive, particularly if there are no food options within walking distance. Nevertheless, one offering that is indispensable in any location is access to coffee or tea. Whether through a retail coffee shop, an in-house coffee cart with a barista, or a self-serve grab-and-go setup, this amenity is a large draw for tenants.
Nurture
Wellness is a top priority for many tenants, and fitness facilities are highly desirable, even if they are not frequently used. Even a well-equipped space with cardio equipment, locker rooms, and showers will go far. Additionally, more buildings are incorporating wellness and mothers’ rooms, which benefit smaller tenants that have the need but may not be able to build these within their own space.
While outdoor spaces are primarily usable during the warmer months in New England, they are still considered highly desirable amenities. The design can vary from urban private roof decks to suburban communal courtyards with walking paths. Providing an area where tenants can gather or dine outside is always seen as a benefit.
Creating a tenant ecosystem helps building owners attract their ideal tenants and make use of underutilized communal areas. These spaces support tenants’ work needs and provide them with environments they don’t have to construct themselves. It fosters an interconnected environment where tenants can interact, connect, and thrive.
This article originally appeared in High Profile.