On-Demand Butler, Concierge Services A Growing Trend In Office, Multifamily Sectors
Office and multifamily developers are moving beyond traditional amenities to attract tenants.
Much like retailers, office and multifamily developers are offering tenants experiences and services to boost demand, with some operators implementing concierge and butler services in their properties.
Related Cos., the thought leader behind New York City's $20B Hudson Yards, recently partnered with startup Hello Alfred to offer on-demand butler services to residents in its luxury rental units. Services include move-in assistance, weekly unit cleaning, grocery delivery and online shopping return management — all of which is included in tenants' monthly rent. If residents would like additional help with tasks such as assembling furniture, they can pay an extra fee, Forbes reports.
Related has been testing the service in nine of its buildings over the past year, but integrated it in all of its rental units during the fall.
This trend has also caught fire in office markets.
Commercial real estate services firm CBRE pursued a similar strategy and last year integrated a concierge service in its Glendale, California and Toronto, Canada offices. The service offers dinner delivery for employees, grocery shopping and dry cleaning services. It also helps visitors easily and quickly find a space to work in the office.
Tishman Speyer introduced a concierge service to tenants within office buildings in its global portfolio in February. The suite of services is called Zo and offers wellness amenities, child care, on-site health screenings, medical services, travel planning, food and catering services and personal grooming services, among others.
