Last week’s Owner/Developer Panel was a smash hit on the hot topic of Amenities. Jean Chandler, IIDA of Industrious: “Amenities are about a need to be human. Humans have always gathered. Coworking is the catalyst for a temperament around sharing… [it’s] about creating moments for all populations to mix.” There is an expectation for amenities to improve, to meet the client's needs and elevate their experience. Alexandra Cuber of Fogarty Finger: “We have a responsibility to create spaces that are better than they were five years ago.” Paige Engeldrum of Cushman & Wakefield: “Almost every building you tour has amenities; if you don’t, that’s a strike against you.” Rosemary Bates of Rockefeller Group: “The baseline is amenitizing… it’s about striking a balance between [making amenities that are] exclusive to the client, but inclusive to all tenants.” Jean Chandler: “It’s a bit of a defining time. What’s the cost of not [amenitizing]? Certain buildings and properties will rise to the top and all others will fall away.” Paige Engeldrum: “It’s all about the culture specific to a client: if the company culture doesn’t support the use of amenities, they’re pointless.” Elizabeth Leslie of Boston Properties (BXP): “[What’s next] is the idea of a campus to share amenities among the spaces. Taking those amenities outside and creating consistency among those buildings.” The key takeaway? The importance of getting operational teams involved at the start of a project. Rosemary Bates: “Projects don’t go wrong, they start wrong.” Paige Engeldrum: “You’re going to be paying for it one way or another – do it right the first time.” Thank you to our moderator, panelists, and sponsors for your involvement in this event. Event Sponsor: Rockefeller Group Associate Sponsor: Fogarty Finger
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