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Office environment scene changing in the suburbs

The office environment has become much more than a place to work, as employees look for an atmosphere that also provides fun, relaxation, and entertainment.

As the workforce has evolved to embrace a 24/7 mindset, landlords and property managers are realizing the importance of providing a stimulating environment that is conducive to work, but also rich with amenities. While this might be more associated with urban areas, it is equally important to suburban landlords as they look to attract and retain tenants.

Building owners and their management teams can achieve great levels of success by creating a versatile and dynamic mix of amenities that are tailored to their key employment base.

Among the elements that are important to today's suburban employees are creative and open spaces; outdoor patio areas which are the urban roof top decks of the suburbs; on-site (or nearby) food services; and fitness centers.

The focus on open space planning can take many shapes, but it often extends from a large lobby area to individual tenant spaces. Building common areas are now viewed as places to congregate, check email and recharge before going into the office.

In tenant spaces, the open floor plans has evolved to include large collaborative spaces that are designed to inspire creativity and team work. Those types of spaces can pose challenges from a property management and ownership perspective, however. This is particularly true in older buildings that were designed with HVAC systems to fit structured, closed-in offices.

It is important for property management and ownership to work together to address those structural issues. This work often includes upgrading BAS and HVAC systems, providing LED lighting to reduce heat load and cost, as well as other sustainability programs. Today, the "wired" environment is also a must, with high speed Wi-Fi easily accessed throughout the property.

Outdoor patio and recreation spaces also are important "must haves" for many suburban office tenants. Companies realize the value of providing enjoyable spaces where employees can retreat and recharge during the day.

Even in smaller buildings, a creative ownership and management team can find ways to incorporate seating walls and patio space, with well-designed landscaping to add some privacy.

Another significant change in office amenities in recent years is the emergence of the fitness center as a "top floor" amenity.

As more and more employees turn to fitness, they are also looking for more than just a small gym in the basement.

This has prompted a move toward first floor space for fitness areas. While this takes away from rental square footage, the return in employee satisfaction is often worth the move.

There are many opportunities for suburban building owners and their property management teams to create an appealing environment for their tenants.

Building modernization programs that focus on open space, a strong technology infrastructure, added key building services and entertainment space can go a long way toward attracting new tenants and keeping existing ones in place for years to come.

• Randel S. Waites is principal at Avison Young with offices in Rosemont. Contact him at randel.waites@avisonyoung.com.

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