Follow the XSpace blog, The Chairman’s Corner, for regular updates from our Chairman, Howard Ecker.
Howard Ecker founded Howard Ecker + Company in 1975 as the first company to exclusively serve the needs of office tenants. Howard has worked with business leaders since the company’s founding to align office location thinking with the long-term physical and cultural needs of the business. Howard has completed lease transactions in virtually every state in the USA and Canada. Moreover, Howard has been responsible for several corporate builds-to-suit as well as the development of both low-rise and high-rise office buildings and several large residential developments. Other achievements include successfully negotiating a built-to-suit space for the Shure Brothers corporate headquarters, and securing 200,000 square feet in two leases for his client BDO in Midtown Manhattan.
As usual, I planned on writing this month’s blog post about the real estate market. Since the election, everything I read indicates that the new administration will be great for the real estate market. That’s said, and whether you believe it or not, I decided to change topics and talk about innovation.
Read MoreAs someone with decades of experience in the commercial real estate industry, I’ve witnessed the evolving needs of businesses firsthand. What used to be about vast warehouse spaces and sprawling office buildings has shifted to something much more efficient, versatile, and aligned with the future—micro-industrial spaces. These compact, multi-functional units are transforming the way businesses operate, offering an array of benefits that can significantly improve flexibility, scalability, and overall value.
Read MoreThe recent increase in remote work made many companies realize that tasks could be performed just as efficiently from home, if not more so. Large, open-plan offices, in particular, saw a dramatic drop in occupancy rates. Companies downsized their physical footprints, leading to an oversupply of mid-tier and lower-tier office spaces.
Read MoreA recent article by CBRE highlights a fascinating trend in the U.S. office market: a mere 8% of office buildings are capturing nearly all tenant activity. These buildings, known as "prime buildings," are distinguished by their superior quality and amenities, making them highly desirable in the market. As companies seek to relocate to the best spaces available, a new class of prime buildings has emerged, characterized by high design standards, modern amenities, and often, unique features such as outdoor spaces or terraces.
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