Developer George Oliver has quickly shifted itsstrategy on the redevelopment of the Alexander, a class-A officedevelopment in the Phoenix suburb of Chandler. The property iscurrently under construction, and will now reflect new needs inoffice space as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The changeswill include wellness-focused workspaces with features liketouchless accessibility throughout the property and upgraded HVACsystems for better air quality.

"This pandemic hasn't materially changed our vision for the endproduct at The Alexander, but it has created opportunities for usto make changes that will deliver a product that's more in linewith user expectations for the safest possible work environment,"Curt Kremer, founder and managing partner atGeorge Oliver, tells GlobeSt.com.

The outbreak of COVID-19 changed user needs in real estate. Foroffice space, safety in touching surfaces and sharing spaces is nowa top priority. "COVID has created a significant amount ofuncertainty about things we took for granted previously," saysKremer. "Before this, I'm not sure that I'd ever put anythought into the process of opening a door, but now every doorhandle I touch I have to think about. I'm hopeful this issomething that fades over time, and I believe with a vaccine thatthis will be the case. But there is no certainty around that atthis time. The changes we've made to The Alexander will bepart of our design and architecture for this asset long term."