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Jul 10
2008
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Are business centers in Class A properties a waste? The more $400 to $500 computers I see, I really wonder how useful a business center is to your property. Of course, actual usage data might tell a whole different story, but it seems as though it's just duplicating something people already have, for the most part. Now, some communities really go all out with their fax, copier, and meeting room capabilities, and I can see how having a truly state-of-the-art facility might make a difference in resident retention and apartment marketing, but many are just a smallish room with a couple of computers and maybe a printer. Is it worth the square footage? Just a thought...
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Comments (6)
Hey Mike, I agree with your coworking comment completely, as it could also be used as an outreach tool.
As for a fax, I definitely see value in it, even though it is not cutting edge. The fact is that many companies still ask for faxes, which means that an individual resident won't need it hardly at all, but collectively, the fax will probably get used frequently over the year. It's been several years since I have been on property, so my "data" is probably out of date, but I remember our office fax being used regularly when we did not even advertise its availability.
As for a fax, I definitely see value in it, even though it is not cutting edge. The fact is that many companies still ask for faxes, which means that an individual resident won't need it hardly at all, but collectively, the fax will probably get used frequently over the year. It's been several years since I have been on property, so my "data" is probably out of date, but I remember our office fax being used regularly when we did not even advertise its availability.
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Wow, I am in complete disagreement with you all and I am amazed because the three of us are often on the same page! I'm even finishing up a blog post called, "The Resurgence of the Business Center"! Seriously! I guess I know what my next blog post will be cause it will take up waaaaaay too much space here to argue with you all. But you know I still adore you both. Just think you are Oh. So. Wrong.
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Glad to know that I'm still adored even when I'm oh. so. wrong 
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I'm sorry you're wrong, too. And sorry Mike is as well. I'll just have to get you guys to see the light. 
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Business Centers are alive and well still. I know it doesn't seem to make sense, but ours constantly have users. The WiFi hotspots we have at some community clubhouses almost never get used, but the public computers are always busy.
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What Do You Think?
I think the old business center is definitely a waste of space if it's had the same layout and equipment for the past ten years. On the other hand, I've seen some very creative uses of this space, in everything from student housing to infill sites and senior communities.
I've seen multimedia podcasting studios and web conferencing rooms (very fun when seniors learn they can talk with their grandkids). Tools like PrinterOn don't cost much -- it lets residents use the public printer from their own computer without the need to install another driver on their own machine. Some student communities include binding machines for report assembly.
I also think these spaces can be marketed differently to increase their use. One growing trend right now among telecommuters and home-based entrepreneurs is co-working. If you have the right demographic, or if your community is part of a larger mixed-use development, why not reposition these spaces as co-working centers, complete with lease-by-the-day workspaces and a fridge full of Red Bull? You could open them to the general public and give special discounts or freebies to residents. For examples of "real" co-working spaces, check out Independents Hall in Philly (IndyHall.org) or CoLab in Orlando (CoLabOrlando.com). It's not a perfect example for everyone, but my point is that we need to rethink how we use these spaces based on current opportunities before we decide to eliminate them completely.