Class A Office in Secondary Market: Repositioning

The Challenge

A national fund that invests in secondary markets retained us to reposition two office buildings totaling 223,000 SF in the Cleveland East market. One Chagrin Highlands and Two Chagrin Highlands are Class A office buildings with high-end finishes in a prime location. Originally built in 1998, the buildings were designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates in New York and were in need of strategic common area updates to retain anchor tenants including Cleveland Clinic, Penske Logistics and Key Bank.

The Cleveland suburban sub-market was competitive and was also competing with a market resurgence in the Downtown CBD market. Vacancies in the submarket were 20% with negative absorption. Rents were averaging $21.50. Retaining the anchor tenants was important in order to attract smaller tenants.

The Solution

In order to appeal to financial, technology, advertising, media and information tenants, we developed common areas program that created a collaborative co-working environment. We also revitalized the food service operation, cafe, fitness center, outdoor seating areas and outdoor fitness trails. We enhanced WiFi service in all common areas and outdoor areas. 

The Results

Subsequently, the buildings continued positive absorption in a competitive market and brought the vacancy rate to 15% while achieving average rents of $25.00/SF.