Tenants' flight to quality is an oft-repeated refrain in the commercial real estate community. But some architects and designers say the amenities arms race is leading developers to fly too close to the sun, simultaneously torching the fortunes of formerly thriving neighborhood businesses. Many of the newest office and multifamily buildings are designed to offer a host of top-class amenities aimed at meeting as many tenant needs as possible and deterring them from ever leaving the space. While developers tout these top-class amenities as a central perk of their buildings, panelists at Bisnow’s Architecture and Design Summit at Hilton Chicago Magnificent Mile Suites last week weren’t as confident that standalone one-stop buildings are the best at supporting healthy neighborhoods. 
HOK Design Principal Peter Ruggiero said the market compels developers to provide these amenities, yet that decision has consequences for the surrounding area. “I understand the market forces that drive all these buildings to have amenities in-house under… Read the full story here. | 
