How Offices in Active-Lifestyle Markets Differ

IRVINE, CA—Most office owners in Orange County are aware of the demand from active-lifestyle tenants and have modified their buildings to accommodate some of their demands, JLL EVP Mitch Lundquist tells GlobeSt.com. JLL and WalletHub recently reported that Irvine is the top West Coast city for an active lifestyle, according to a WalletHub survey that compared the 100 most-populated cities.

The survey was based on 24 metrics that showed the cities involvement in helping their residents reach their health goals. Sports facilities and outdoor environment (such as the number of exercise locations) accounted for 70% of the total score, while budget and participation (such as the costs to use exercise facilities and number of athletic organizations) was 30%.

We spoke with Lundquist about how offices in active-lifestyle markets differ from others and how office owners can tie in their properties with this active lifestyle via built-in and nearby amenities.

GlobeSt.com: How do offices in active-lifestyle markets differ from others?

Lundquist: Tenants with an active culture will have more flexible work hours to allow their employees to pursue their active-lifestyle. Many of these tenants think their employees are more efficient and effective when they are healthy and active. In addition to promoting an active lifestyle, many of these companies provide healthy food choices in the office and incentives for an active and healthy lifestyle.

GlobeSt.com: How can office owners tie in their properties with this active lifestyle via built-in and nearby amenities?

Lundquist: Office-building landlords working to attract active-lifestyle tenants will have some of these amenities: healthy eating options nearby or on site; on-site fitness options including gyms, yoga classes and sports courts; and locker rooms.

GlobeSt.com:  In what other ways can office owners capitalize on their tenants' active lifestyles?

Lundquist: Most owners in Orange County are aware of demand from active lifestyle tenants and have modified their buildings to accommodate some of their demands. Owners can differentiate themselves and sell a higher rental rate by adding services like on-site gyms, bikes, locker rooms and on-site classes (like yoga). When tenants tour buildings with those amenities, they are impressed, and it does factor into some tenants' decision making. The jury is still out if the active tenants actually use those amenities enough to warrant the increased rental rate.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about Irvine as an active-lifestyle city?

Lundquist: Irvine and the surrounding cities have many people who enjoy being outside on a daily basis. The weather in Southern California allows for a year-round active lifestyle, which is one of the reasons people love to visit and live in Southern California. You can surf in the morning and be in the mountains skiing in the afternoon.

IRVINE, CA—Most office owners in Orange County are aware of the demand from active-lifestyle tenants and have modified their buildings to accommodate some of their demands, JLL EVP Mitch Lundquist tells GlobeSt.com. JLL and WalletHub recently reported that Irvine is the top West Coast city for an active lifestyle, according to a WalletHub survey that compared the 100 most-populated cities.

The survey was based on 24 metrics that showed the cities involvement in helping their residents reach their health goals. Sports facilities and outdoor environment (such as the number of exercise locations) accounted for 70% of the total score, while budget and participation (such as the costs to use exercise facilities and number of athletic organizations) was 30%.

We spoke with Lundquist about how offices in active-lifestyle markets differ from others and how office owners can tie in their properties with this active lifestyle via built-in and nearby amenities.

GlobeSt.com: How do offices in active-lifestyle markets differ from others?

Lundquist: Tenants with an active culture will have more flexible work hours to allow their employees to pursue their active-lifestyle. Many of these tenants think their employees are more efficient and effective when they are healthy and active. In addition to promoting an active lifestyle, many of these companies provide healthy food choices in the office and incentives for an active and healthy lifestyle.

GlobeSt.com: How can office owners tie in their properties with this active lifestyle via built-in and nearby amenities?

Lundquist: Office-building landlords working to attract active-lifestyle tenants will have some of these amenities: healthy eating options nearby or on site; on-site fitness options including gyms, yoga classes and sports courts; and locker rooms.

GlobeSt.com:  In what other ways can office owners capitalize on their tenants' active lifestyles?

Lundquist: Most owners in Orange County are aware of demand from active lifestyle tenants and have modified their buildings to accommodate some of their demands. Owners can differentiate themselves and sell a higher rental rate by adding services like on-site gyms, bikes, locker rooms and on-site classes (like yoga). When tenants tour buildings with those amenities, they are impressed, and it does factor into some tenants' decision making. The jury is still out if the active tenants actually use those amenities enough to warrant the increased rental rate.

GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about Irvine as an active-lifestyle city?

Lundquist: Irvine and the surrounding cities have many people who enjoy being outside on a daily basis. The weather in Southern California allows for a year-round active lifestyle, which is one of the reasons people love to visit and live in Southern California. You can surf in the morning and be in the mountains skiing in the afternoon.