5 Innovative Ideas for Retrofitting a Suburban Office Building
This article was originally published, in slightly different form, on cowriter Monte Anderson’s LinkedIn. It is shared here with permission. All pictures were supplied by the writers.
Office buildings are experiencing significant changes due to shifts in work patterns and advancements in technology. Transforming suburban office spaces has become a key focus for architects, urban planners, and developers aiming to create more efficient, adaptable, and engaging work environments.
Below, we explore five ideas to consider when retrofitting this type of property:
1. Parking Lot Potential
Repurposing parking lots for diverse uses like food kiosks, outdoor seating, pop-up shops, green space and micro-apartments creates a strategic opportunity for property enhancement and increased interest. This attracts more visitors and potential tenants.
2. Integrating Tech
Converting suburban offices into technology-driven spaces by embracing digital connectivity and collaborative tools. Some spaces may transition into smaller studio suites or coworking areas, catering to transient occupants akin to hotel stays.
3. Cultivating Comfort
Prioritizing the creation of inviting and comfortable workspaces is crucial. This entails integrating elements like ample natural light, greenery, ergonomic furniture, and communal areas. These features can help foster a positive work culture and support the well-being of employees, making the office spaces more attractive to potential tenants.
4. Building for Tomorrow
Modern office buildings must be flexible to respond to changing needs and trends. Designing suburban offices for easy reconfiguration and embracing agile architecture principles ensures their long-term viability.
5. Mixing Things Up
The segregation between suburban offices and surrounding communities is diminishing. Mixed-use developments and transit-oriented projects are in high demand but low supply. Integrating office spaces with residential areas, retail outlets, and public amenities fosters connectivity and creates vibrant work environments.
In conclusion, the modernization of suburban office buildings represents a dynamic shift toward more innovative and human-centric work environments. By embracing concepts such as technology integration, employee well-being, adaptability and community connectivity, developers can create office spaces that not only meet the needs of the present but also anticipate the demands of the future.
Monte Anderson is President of Options Real Estate, a full-service real estate firm specializing in developing sustainable neighborhoods in Southern Dallas and Northern Ellis Counties. He is a founding member of Neighborhood Evolution, an organization that specializes in creating ecosystems between cities, small developers and local citizens. Monte advocates for incremental development and speaks and teaches across the country on cultivating local neighborhoods. Options has been recognized by the Dallas Chapter of AIA, North Texas Council of Governments, the American Planning Association, Preservation Dallas, Preservation Texas and the Greater Dallas Planning Council. Award winners include Main Station Duncanville, DeSoto Market Place, MidTowne Midlothian, Dallas’ Tyler Station, Texas Theatre, Belmont Hotel and Beckley Settlement.
Christopher Duncan believes the urban environment, much like the timeless wisdom found in a parable, offers an opportunity to serve and enhance the lives of others, resonating with fundamental truths about human connection and flourishing. He is driven by a desire to create better places for people to enjoy, by making vibrant and sustainable spaces. He brings a multifaceted perspective with nearly twenty years of hands-on experience in real estate, urban planning, development, finance, and construction. Christopher attempts to navigate the complexities of the built environment by leveraging lifelong relationships and cutting-edge technology to better buildings, districts, and cities.
