Livingston, who formerly served as a military security analyst, says, Â"Long-term, security may effect how office buildings are designed. In the short term, it is raising important questions about everything from access, parking and building signage to secure off-site mail rooms, air handling systems and emergency procedures.Â"

While Livingston concedes that Orlando is not perceived as a likely terrorist threat, he notes the heavy presence of the defense, tourism and space industries make understanding security very important to his clients. Additionally, he says, since all insurance premiums will likely go up, real estate professionals must advise their clients on ways to maximize security. He believes that property insurance increases will drive rent prices higher, and for certain companies this may be a deciding factor in whether to rent or own.

Â"Some companies in the future likely will prefer to disperse their back office and backup operations rather than cluster them all in one building or location,Â" Livingston says. Â"For some companies, particularly high risk companies, it wonÂ't be as important for people to see their logo from the Interstate.Â"

No matter what the environment in Orlando, Livingston says he is putting the security measures discussed at AtlantaÂ's CORFAC meeting on his questionnaire for clients beginning the site selection process.

Realvest is a fully integrated commercial real estate operating company specializing in brokerage, investment, leasing and management, consulting, research and development services. In addition to heading up Realvest, Livingston is a board member of CORFAC International (Corporate Facility Advisors Inc.) a global alliance of real estate companies. Livingston and other southeastern real estate executives recently attended a conference hosted by CORFAC in Atlanta where security was the main topic of conversation.

Instant Insights /

Orlando Real Estate Executive Ahead of the Curve on Security Issues

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