In A Competitive Market, Real Estate Companies Are Taking Office Amenities To The Next Level
Across the country, companies are moving downtown.
In New York City, where public transit options and vibrant neighborhoods offer allure for new talent, the demand for office space is growing, and prospective tenants have a wealth of options, from prebuilt suites to traditional leases to popular new coworking spaces. To stand out from the crowd, office developers are finding they must go above and beyond, offering more creative spaces and richer amenities.
These days, amenities go well beyond 24/7 security staff and an on-site property management team. Bisnow is spotlighting one developer that consistently offers a mix of lobby artwork, upscale common spaces, on-site dining, eco-friendly features and exceptional tenant programming including speaking engagements, social gatherings, rooftop spin classes and more.
The mentality at RXR Realty is that development goes beyond providing four walls — it is also the services within. The company's portfolio emphasizes innovation and breadth of services throughout its buildings, ensuring that its assets keep up with the wants and needs of today's workforce.
Click below to view a slideshow of amenities RXR says have been the biggest drivers for tenant lease-up and its growth strategy.
Green Amenities
Rooftop gardens can bring tenants fresh vegetables and give them a scenic place for meals al fresco. Even better, they can help lower utility costs by reducing building energy usage as much as 25%, not to mention help address air pollution, speaking to a growing interest from tenants in green building features.
In New York, many tenants prefer to bike to work, and bike storage is a high-demand amenity. Some buildings are making room for bikes, and even bike shops with cleaning and tune-up equipment.
Tenant Programming
Creative common spaces and conference spaces within larger offices have become a popular offering in the coworking industry, and increasingly, these collaboration spaces and ways to come together are a demand from tenants. RXR has responded to that demand by incorporating creative gathering spaces into its office properties, as well as opportunities for tenant programming. Tenant-exclusive community offerings can span from networking events to stress-relieving arts and crafts workshops.
Millennials in the workforce are increasingly willing to shell out for fitness memberships, but offering a top-of the-line fitness facility on-site can be a huge draw. RXR's properties integrate health and wellness through yoga classes, group fitness classes and fitness brand-sponsored lobby activations.
Community Engagement
Making the most of an empty space is not just a smart business move, it can also be a draw for prospective tenants. While still in its construction phase, RXR’s project in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, The Hall, has partnered with local entities including the Myrtle Avenue BID and Pratt University to host events, as well as providing a photo-shoot site for local artists.
Common Areas
A partnership between RXR and Convene provides thoughtful, spacious conferencing and gathering spaces that allow tenants to host larger events and meetings, employee break-off conversations and work sessions. RXR's 32 Old Slip and 237 Park currently host Convene locations. A Convene at 530 Fifth is arriving this year.
Lobby Amenities
Well-curated art can add value and attract tenants, especially when paired with other lobby amenities like state-of-the-art elevator systems and inviting seating spaces. At RXR's 237 Park, a newly renovated lobby and plaza features natural light from a 21-story atrium and artwork by John Clement.
Another take on lobby art gets the community involved: the 75 Rock x SVA rotating art program is an ongoing partnership with the School of Visual Arts and RXR, showcasing student-designed artwork. This winter, 75 Rockefeller Plaza hosted a series of restored sleighs with New York City themes.
Retail Amenities
On-site retail — from banks and mailing centers to foodie-friendly markets — makes it easy for employees to handle errands during breaks and maximize time during and after work.
This feature was produced in collaboration between Bisnow Branded Content and RXR Realty. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.
