Building A Tenant-Centric Office Paradise Off Windward Parkway
Before Jude Williams, president of America’s Capital Partners, purchases an office building, he interviews each of the tenants. He wants to know why they chose the building, and what he can do to improve their experience so they will want to stay.
That is how he came up with a plan to install a regulation bocce ball court at Windward Fairways, ACP’s latest Class-A office development — and recent winner of the 2017 Outstanding Building of the Year (TOBY) award from BOMA Georgia. “When I spoke to one of the larger tenants, they mentioned playing cornhole together on the lawn,” Williams said. “The idea for the courts came from that conversation.” The resulting investment inspired a competitive, yet social, atmosphere among tenants throughout the two-tower complex. It is also a testament to Windward Fairways’ commitment to tenant happiness.
Walking into either Windward Fairways I or II, tenants pass through bronze doors into a main lobby with 12-foot ceilings and wood and marble finishes. These are not the most impressive features in the buildings. Tenants have free access to numerous high-end amenities, like a state-of the-art fitness center and a shared conference facility capable of seating up to 100 people. Taking advantage of proximity to The Big Creek Greenway, one tower features an unusual space: a luxury bike room. Cyclists have access to European-made JOSTA bike racks, professional workstations for bicycle maintenance, and nearby changing rooms and showers.
An underlying mission to fulfill tenant needs ties these amenities together. These requests sometimes go beyond normal expectations. Paula Malmfeldt is an employee with Franklin Covey, which has been at the Windward for several years. She was recently surprised by the staff's level of dedication when facing a logistical crisis. “Last week, we had a printer delivery and we had no idea how it was going to be delivered,” Malmfeldt said. “We were supposed to get it up to the third floor and we are not equipped for that. I reached out to the engineers and they got it up to our floor and wheeled it into our office. It was big deal and they did not have to do it.”
When the Franklin Covey team first moved in, property management also coordinated with them throughout their entire customization process. ”They built it out exactly the way that we needed — from the number of offices we needed to the big window and nice kitchen area," Malmfeldt said. "They really took our idea and helped us execute it.”
Mac Cregger, regional manager at On Q Financial, had a similar experience. “We needed to downsize part of our office because we moved our operations team to a different location, and it was handled extremely professionally,” he said. "I think the time frame for communication is really important. Anytime I have had a need I get an immediate response.” Cregger also takes advantage of the 400 other businesses close to the towers, and the proximity to Georgia 400.
Both Cregger and Malmfeldt agreed that it is the little touches that make Windward Fairways such a welcoming work environment. Malmfeldt, for instance, never worries about leaving the office late at night. “The security staff always offers to walk me to my car,” she said.
America’s Capital Partners maintains 20 million square feet of Class-A office space along the East Coast, each with the same investment philosophy: approach real estate like you would tenant services. At Windward Fairways, that core value not only manifests in high-end amenities and decor, but also in simple hellos. “Everybody knows my name,” Malmfeldt said. “Everybody greets me. We are part of the family.”
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