Hybrid Work Requires Seamless Connectivity. Here’s How To Make That A Reality

With the rise of hybrid work models and increased reliance on digital technologies, superior in-building wireless connectivity has gone from a nice-to-have to a must-have in all modern offices — whether in a downtown high-rise or an employee’s apartment. Slow and unreliable cell service can slow productivity and create frustrating issues, including dropped or missed calls and low-quality video calls. 

Granite Properties, a Texas-based commercial real estate investment, development and management company, recognizes the importance of wireless reliability. The firm provides well-located, high-quality office buildings with rich amenities in its pursuit to create a better work experience than working from home. 

Many of the firm’s office buildings feature high-end fitness centers, healthy food options and ample green space walkable to local shops and restaurants. Customers are encouraged to work wherever they are most comfortable in both indoor and outdoor collaborative spaces as an alternative to sitting at their desks. 

To make this “work from anywhere” vision a reality, Granite works with Airwavz, an in-building wireless solution provider. Airwavz ensures seamless wireless connectivity throughout a building so customers can work, make calls and collaborate efficiently from anywhere on the property without experiencing connectivity issues.

Granite Properties Senior Director of IT Clint Osteen said the company chose Airwavz for its expertise in quickly designing, deploying and managing a wireless ecosystem and ensuring seamless connectivity in large complex developments. 

“At Granite, we want people to feel connected, energized and inspired to reach their highest potential,” he said. “Granite’s partnership with Airwavz is part of our hospitality mindset to offer conveniences and services making people’s daily lives easier in and around the office.”

He said Airwavz helps Granite differentiate three large properties in Atlanta, Houston and Southlake, Texas  — Midtown Union, Eldridge, and Granite Place at Southlake Town Square, respectively  — and attract companies that value modern and technology-enabled workspaces and experiences.

Airwavz Senior Vice President of Real Estate Partnerships JD Jeske said Granite is known for anticipating its office customer needs, and the firm understands the importance of creating a seamless wireless experience. 

“Their customers receive the best cellular experience at the office. As an industry leader, Granite has truly made a commitment to creating high-quality office environments to attract and retain customers,” he said. 

Technology Infrastructure 

Osteen said Airwavz's cellular infrastructure at Granite’s mixed-use and office developments is enhancing the experiences of customers and guests alike. By installing a fiber backbone and cellular distributed antenna system, Airwavz ensures reliable cellular service throughout these properties. This neutral-host solution supports all major wireless carriers, guaranteeing uninterrupted access regardless of provider.  

The deployment process for cellular infrastructure can be arduous and time-consuming, presenting challenges for property owners. Airwavz ensures a simplified deployment experience with a nine to 12-month on-air timeline, ensuring these properties can experience the benefits of enhanced connectivity without enduring prolonged disruptions or delays, Jeske said. 

Midtown Union

In 2022, Granite delivered Midtown Union, a mixed-use project in Midtown Atlanta, featuring a Class-AA office tower, a luxury residential tower and a boutique hotel. Airwavz installed DAS across the entire project, ensuring office customers, residents and hotel guests experience excellent cell reception anywhere at the development.

“Office customers can work from their desks, the multi-level hospitality lobby, the eighth-floor customer lounge, the boardroom, conference rooms or the landscaped amenity deck without cell service issues,” Osteen said. 

Granite Place at Southlake Town Square

In 2023, Granite completed Granite Place II at Southlake Town Square in Southlake. The Class-A, LEED-certified office building is the second phase of Granite’s Southlake Town Square development and is adjacent to Granite Place I. Airwavz’s DAS allows employees to work and make calls from anywhere in both buildings. 

Eldridge

In 2023, Granite leased more than 564K SF at Eldridge, a Class-A, almost 825K SF three-building office complex in Houston’s Energy Corridor. The office destination is now 95% leased, and Airwavz’s DAS ensured excellent cellular experience across all three buildings, including its hotel-like lobbies, outdoor workspaces and large customer connection center, Osteen said. 

Jeske said this technology not only facilitates seamless communication, but also lays the foundation for myriad smart building applications. 

“With this infrastructure in place, Granite can confidently enhance their wireless offerings through easy integration of emerging technologies and services,” he said. “The wireless service provides a technologically advanced environment, meeting the evolving needs of today's dynamic workforce while remaining adaptable to future innovations.”

This article was produced in collaboration between Airwavz and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.