How The Centrum's Renovations Will Foster Community In The Workplace
The Centrum, an ‘80s Oak Lawn landmark, has ditched its granite slab exterior for a modern makeover. The changes are more than skin deep, as the property underwent a $25M upgrade to transform into a co-working space for the urban professionals who live and work in the hip Dallas neighborhood.
Co-working has surged in popularity. Many Millennials have shifted from traditional offices, seeking more open workspaces. More than fluid desk space and good WiFi — although The Centrum is targeting 100 megabyte connection throughout the entire complex — 75% of employees like these spaces because of the sense of community they provide, according to recent study from DeskMag. Co-workers have embraced the live/work/play atmosphere. Quadrant Investment Properties, the CRE investment company behind the renovation, puts community culture at the forefront of the upgrades.
The 390k SF office and retail complex is a hub of social activity, mixing functional office space with collaborative meeting rooms. Employees can relax in numerous lounges or enjoy the Dallas weather in a 15k SF community courtyard. Tenants can also take in city views on the largest rooftop deck in Uptown Dallas. The Centrum distills its community offerings into a portable mobile app, keeping all of its tenants aware of all building events, dining discounts and social activities. “Our goal in designing The Centrum common areas is to provide a place where entrepreneurs and today’s creative class of tenant can collaborate,” Chad Cook, founder of Quadrant Investment Properties, said. “We believe if the right environment is curated the tenant experience is enhanced dramatically.”
On the ground floor, multiple on-site restaurants add to an eclectic list of dining options throughout the neighborhood. A central point in a two-mile radius that encompasses several Uptown districts, the complex has a high walkability score of 93. As the workday has grown longer, modern offices have started to consider employee wellness beyond the traditional 9-to-5. The Centrum will keep its tenants healthy with a 6k SF fitness center and a secure bike room.
The tenants who will work — and shape social interactions — within the new space are just as important as the amenities. The complex aims to attract forward-thinking businesses and entrepreneurs. Forty-three tech companies call the Oak Lawn area home, while 24 design companies, and 18 movie and production studios maintain an artistic presence.
The Centrum wants game-changing ideas to form under its roof ... top deck, and the roster of notable, innovative and modern tenants is growing. RewardStyle, a platform that lets social media influencers monetize their content and brand deals, is a tenant in 32k SF on the entire eighth and ninth floors of The Centrum. Two floors down, insurance startup Oscar Health has an office in one of the building's creative spec suites; on the third floor, customer relationship management software Salesforce.com is renting 18k SF. Revel, an iPad point-of-sale company, and Glass Media, a company that leverages digital technology for dynamic storefront displays, will also soon call The Centrum home. All are entrepreneurial and creative businesses that have in some way disrupted their respective industries. They are The Centrum’s ideal tenants.
Since 1986, The Centrum has been an Oak Lawn icon. Among the new professionals flocking to Dallas, it will likely keep that title post-renovation.
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