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20 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / MARCH 2017
C olorado’s rapid change in development
is evidence of our healthy economy and
continuing population growth – it’s our
very own chicken-and-egg condition. Our vi-
brant market conditions have changed our de-
velopment landscape. What’s driving the change?
We sat down with developer Jim Neenan, pres-
ident and COO of Prime West, in his office over-
looking lovely mountain views to the west to hear
his thoughts about what’s important to companies
in our region. He knows because his newest build-
ing, One Belleview Station, has seen some of the best
companies looking for their new home in the south-
east suburban market.
JS: What opportunities do you see as important to
future Front Range development given our growth
and competitive climate companies face regarding
workforce attraction and retention?
JN: Demand for office space has changed dramati-
cally and so has the user profile.
It used do be that a typical floor plate of 25,000
square feet, one that was efficient to plan, with good
glass lines, was good looking and had views, was
enough for companies.
It didn’t matter if it was downtown, southeast or In-
terlocken – all of these submarkets competed equally
in terms of office product.
Once companies selected which market, their deci-
sion criteria focused on rent structure and views.
Employers are now more focused on a broader set
of needs beyond rent and views.
JS: Enter rapid millennial population growth and light
rail. Have companies changed their selection criteria?
JN: Today, companies still tend to focus on one sub-
market. Their new challenge is the future. Beyond
the most efficient building and cost, now companies
really focus on attraction and retention of talent. Tal-
ent is key and attracting new talent is big challenge
for them.
It comes down to where is the best location for the
business and now that decision is highly driven by
what is the best location for best for their employees.
It costs a ton to recruit, train and integrate talent, so
finding what matters most to employees, both new
and existing, is more important than ever. Employ-
ees have become more discriminating and will move
to businesses that more closely meet their needs.
Among the top considerations for employees are easy
access to multimode transportation, buildings that
offer rich common work areas, such as coffee bars,
Leading the Way
Joy Spatz, AIA
Principal,
Studio
Collaborative